Baseball Player Magazine by Lauren Jaeger

LITTLE LEAGUE LIFE IN THE MINORS Massapequa Coast

Featuring Scott Gaffney

PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT

Steve McQuail and Effrey Valdez

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES • NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS • CATHOLIC LEAGUE •

BPM ONEWITHON ONE BRANDON STAHL

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: BK’S PLAYERS TO WATCH BPM’S STARTING LINEUP PRESEASON STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Hofstra Pitcher Jeff Guthridge looking to be Hofstraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top closer in 2010.

LEADING OFF

Photography by Brian Ballweg

Contents

Winter 2010

2010 Baseball Preview BPM’s inside look at things to come for the upcoming 2010 baseball season. 12 44 57 61

Colleges and Universities Nassau and Suffolk High Schools Catholic League BPM’s Starting Lineup

Cover Story: One on One with Brandon Stahl

By: Jennifer Jaeger An interview with Brandon Stahl as he prepares for his senior year season and packs for Old Dominion University.

Life In The Minors: Scott Gaffney

Preseason Training for Hitters

By: Ashley Michaels All around athlete and star baseball player, BPM talks with Scott Gaffney about his journey into the Pros and his experiences so far. By: Joe Francisco Indoor drills to hone your skills, improve your stance, and prepare for the upcoming season.

Massapequa Coast Little League

By: Catherine McGee A look into the structure and success of the Massapequa Coast Little Leaque program.

Heater’s Corner

Preseason Strength & Conditioning

By:Ashley Michaels Is the radar gun king? BPM got Neal Heaton’s opinion and what he thinks it takes to get to the next level. By: Patrick Maguire, M.S., CSCS From warm-ups to resistance training, Patrick walks you through workouts that will allow improvements in lean body mass, strength and power.

Players Spotlight

By: Brett Mauser Steve McQuail (Canisius College) and Effrey Valdez (New York Institute of Technology)

T.J. Grieg, Molloy College

Dear Reader

”

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back – Babe Ruth

Thanks for picking up the first 2010 issue of Baseball Player Magazine or BPM, as we like to call it. In this issue you will find previews for the upcoming season, profiles of great players throughout the local Little League, High School and College programs, nutrition tips, instructional columns, Scott Gaffney’s experiences in the minor leagues thus far, a few things you probably didn’t know about MLB pitcher, Dan Runzler, and so much more. BPM isn’t just about the game and technique, it is about you; the player, the coach, the parents, the umpires, the volunteers. It’s about the people without whom this publication would have no meaning. Our first issue is dedicated to all of you. Our goal is to educate, inform, inspire and interact with you. The BPM team is a group of athletes that understand the dreams and aspirations, the hard work and determination, and the passion that you all have. We want to know about your experiences, your accomplishments, and what you’d like to see in upcoming issues. Please send your thoughts, stories and ideas to info@baseballplayermagazine.com. BPM would like to wish each of you the best on your upcoming season. We hope you enjoy the New & Improved Baseball Player Magazine. Stay tuned as there are great things to come!

Sincerely, The BPM Team

Brandon Kurz Owner/Chairman Michael Ambort Vice President Jennifer Jaeger Vice President/Editorial Director Lauren Jaeger Vice President/Publisher Art Directors James Konatich Keith Reilly Staff Photographer Ellen Schuerger BPM/Contributing Editors Joe Francisco, Jimmy Goelz, Matt Lemanczyk,Danielle LaFata, Brett Mauser, Catherine McGee, Patrick Mcguire, Ashley Michaels The BPM team would like to extend special thanks to all our friends and family that we haven’t seen over the past few weeks; we love you all and appreciate your support. We would also like to especially thank: Athletes Performance, Joe Bonin, Brian Botos, David Ferraro, Gregg Foster, Scott Gaffney, Craig Garland, Caryn Gordon, Haig Graphics, Artie Herrmann, Cam Maron, Suzanne Mitchell, Thomas Konatich, Kevin O’Keefe, Sebestian Paul, Dan Runzler, Andrew Russell, Kelsey Walker, Samantha Yodowitz and all of the SID’s, coaches, players and editors. Copyright ©2010 Baseball Player Magazine is published under Baseball Player Magazine, NY & NJ Inc. All rights reserved. Baseball Player Magazine is published quarterly. and printed by Haig Graphics, 90 Old Willets Path Hauppauge, NY 11788. Tel 631-582-5800. Fax 631-582-2806. Official Printer of BPM

For questions and comments, please email

info@baseballplayermagazine.com

Contents 6 84

85 96

Winter 2010

Running The Bases

By: Matt Lemanczyk

25 Things You Didn’t Know

By: Michael Ambort San Francisco Giants Pitcher, Dan Runzler tells us a few things we didn’t know.

Winter Defense

By: Jimmy Goelz

“Baseball NY Style” Crossword Puzzle

By: Ellen Schuerger

100 Nutrition Tips to Live By

By Danielle LaFata, MA, RD, CSSD 10 rules to follow and you’ll be on your way to optimizing your nutrition and performance.

In The Dugout

By: Lauren Jaeger BPM’s tribute to coaches that make a difference. This month’s feature: Chris Celano, Head Coach of the Dowling Golden Lions.

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“Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today, I am the greatest of all-time.” - (May 1991) Ricky Henderson, 12-time stolen base champion, 1,406 career steals

unning the bases correctly can be the difference between winning and losing close ball games. Some games your team will be on fire, score tons of runs and it’s a boat race. Other games the opponent just seems to have the upper hand. Then, there’s the rest of the games; close battles that are within seven runs. These are the games where running the bases correctly can be the difference between a victory and a defeat. Go back to October of 2000. The Mets and the Yankees are beginning the best of seven series. All of NY is watching. Timo Perez is on first. Todd Zeille drills the ball to left. Timo takes off. Timo’s focus: scoring. He’s tagged out at home. Call it inexperience, or better yet, call it poor base running. Yankees win game one, 4-3. That series went on to five games, three of the games being the difference of one run. One thing in the game of baseball will dictate how one should run the bases; the scoreboard. I understand that not all fields have a working and functional scoreboard, but each player and coach need to keep a mental scoreboard. A constant awareness of the score, how many outs , what inning it is, and the hitter’s count. All of these things added up will dictate the aggressiveness in which the base runners should be moving around the bases. In the next few articles, I’lll take you around the bases and explain how you, the baserunner, should be moving. We’ll look at different baserunning scenarios and situations, as well as the thought process that should be taking place, while rounding the bags.

Running the bases doesn’t start once you have reached first base, or any base for that matter. It starts once you enter the on-deck circle and are getting loose. At this time, you, the on-deck hitter should be reviewing the game’s scoreboard (mentally), and strategically visualizing your at base and base running strategies. This is a mandatory process that only takes a few seconds to go through and can be the differnce between getting base or heading back to the dugout. This mental process is critical for the success of not only the batter, but ultimately the entire team. Once it’s time for the batter to enter the batter’s box and hit, the batter needs to put those mental thoughts aside; zone in and focus on the task at hand, hitting the baseball. After the ball is hit, the batter becomes a base runner. The mental preparation that was done while in the on-deck circle will now come into play and assist in proper game speed reactions towards running the bases. Assuming the ball is hit, there are three different ways to approach 1st base (refer to visuals on the right hand page). All three of these ways require maximum effort at all times. In some cases the level of aggressiveness may change when deciding on whether or not to take the extra base (this would be determined in the batter-box, based on the scoreboard). The first way to approach, referred to as “full steam ahead”, is running as fast as you can down the first base line. When your foot touches the FRONT of the bag, look to your right to see if the baseball got past the first baseman. This occurs

6 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

BY MATT LEMANCZYK

when the ball is hit on the ground in the infield. You peek towards the field, 3-5 steps after you leave the box. It will then be apparent that an infielder is going to field the ball. The second way to approach 1st base is referred to as the “Question Mark” turn. This occurs when the ball is hit on the ground. Initially the runner is thinking “full steam ahead”, but after peeking towards the field after the first 3-5 steps out of the box, he realizes the ground ball has “eyes”, meaning it found a hole through the infield for a hit. Once the ball rolls through the infield, forcing an outfielder to field the ball, the runner needs to belly-out to the right in order to round 1st base, as if he’s going to advance to 2nd. This will help create a shorter distance from 1st to 2nd base, increasing the chance of being safe at 2nd base if the opportunity is there to advance. Finally, the third way to approach 1st base is to simply start rounding 1st base right out of the box. Meaning, once the hitter makes contact with the ball, and he knows the ball is headed to the outfield, the hitter can begin to circle around first out of the box. The hitter does not run directly towards 1st base. Instead he takes a long wide path (to the right) in order to pre-round 1st base. It is important to do this so the hitter creates a straight path from 1st base to 2nd base, in case he has the opportunity to advance. This straight path may be the difference between being safe on a potential double or being thrown out. Stay tuned, next column we will discuss leads and base stealing off of first base.

1ST WAY

2ND WAY

3RD WAY

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

ONE ONE B P M

with

BY JENNIFER JAEGER

5'11", 160 lb. left-handed hitting BRANDON STAHL Asenior shortstop from St. Dominic

High School in Oyster Bay, New York. He hit .348 with 21 stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .454 last season. Stahl was selected as an All-County League player as a sophomore and a junior and ranks in the Top 25 players on Long Island. He was selected to play on the Under Armour National Team in the Arizona Fall Classic and was selected as a 2010 Under Armour Pre-season All-American.

BPM: First off, congratulations on signing early with Old Dominion University. Can you tell us about how you made your decision to attend ODU? Stahl: My decision to attend Old Dominion University was very hard. It came down to ODU and UConn and I was so happy with both schools. I really took the time to look at certain little things that would give one the advantage over the other. For me personally, the biggest question that I had was what school would the best choice for reaching the next level. In the end ODU came out on top and from that point I have not regretted it.

being a good leader. Are there any professional baseball players that have the qualities you'd like to have in being a captain?

“

We are extremely excited that Brandon will be joining us here at Old Dominion in the fall of 2010. He is a great fit for our program and university in many ways. He is one of the finest shortstops on the East Coast and is a very good student in the classroom. He is a very focused young man and comes from a fantastic family.” “He has the type of character and talent that will allow him to be very successful on the field and beyond. We are confident Brandon will make a strong impact as a part of the tradition of Old Dominion University Baseball.”

BPM: You've been lucky enough to be a part of a winning baseball program at St. Dominic High School. How has playing for St. Dominic helped you prepare for the next level of baseball? Stahl: Playing for St. Dominic has been an experience in itself. I learned to play with wood bats at a high level and I was put into top competition here. From my sophomore year on up my coach told me that starting on varsity was my job to lose. I learned from that to always have the mentality of working hard and making sure I keep the spot I earned which is something I will definitely value at the next level. BPM: You've been selected the captain of your varsity baseball team for the 2010 season. Being a captain means

Stahl: Definitely the way that Jeter goes about his game everyday is someone I look up to as a captain. He plays the game the right way and that’s what I set out to do everyday on the field. BPM: What kind of workout regimen do you have throughout the year?

Stahl: Throughout the year especial during the offseason, I mainly focus on running and getting my 60 yard dash time down, lifting, hitting and fielding. I spread these out - Jerry Meyers over 6 out of the 7 days of the Head Coach week leaving a day to do my Old Dominion University academics. One thing I have been told is to do something everyday to make myself a better ballplayer and I take that to heart by doing what I can when I can. BPM: Brandon, we'd like to wish you the best of luck in the upcoming season. Before you go back to working out, please answer this last question. What advice would you give the younger ballplayers out there who want to start on their high school baseball team? Stahl: I would definitely say that the sky is the limit with this game. If you want to start on a high school team and even play at higher levels, the tools to do that are there its just what you as a player make of them. I learned quick at a young age from playing older kids that this is something you have to want. If you want it, go get it because there is definitely always going to be someone watching.

BPMNEWS

Blankmeyer Named To 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate Team Staff USA Baseball has announced that St. John's head coach Ed Blankmeyer has been named to the coaching staff for the 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Blankmeyer will be making his first appearance in the red, Ed Blankmeyer white and blue. Blankmeyer and Nino Giarratano (San Francisco) will join manager Bill Kinneberg (Utah) and pitching coach Dave Serrano (Cal State Fullerton). "It is an absolute honor to be selected to the USA coaching staff," said Blankmeyer. "I am excited for the opportunity to wear our Nation's colors, while working with an excellent group of coaches and representing St. John's baseball." Blankmeyer is in his 15th season at the helm of the Red Storm. The four-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year is 470-285-3 and has taken St. John's to five NCAA Tournaments. The skipper

has led St. John's to three BIG EAST regular season titles, one conference tournament crown and 10 BIG EAST Tournament appearances. A four-time ABCA Northeast Region Coach of the Year, Blankmeyer has seen 47 of his players sign professional contracts. "I am thrilled to have Ed join the Collegiate Team coaching staff," said Ed Campbell, General Manager of USA Baseball's Professional and Collegiate National Teams. "I enjoy watching the way his St. John's teams play. We are fortunate to add another great BIG EAST head coach to our coaching pool."

- www.redstormsports.com

BPM would like to congratulate Coach Blankmeyer and wish him and USA Collegiate Team best of luck this year.

BPM2010

K O O L E INSID

EBALL S A B L O O H IGH SC H & E G E L L AT CO

t is almost that time again, baseball season is upon us and BPM wanted to give you a little insight into things to come for the 2010 season. So breakout your blankets and travel mugs of hot chocolate, because February will be here before you know it. We certainly aren’t blessed with warm weather and can’t guarantee it will be above 50 degrees for game day, but what BPM can guarantee is that you will see some great baseball on both the college and high school levels. What will 2010 bring? Will the Dowling Golden Lions make it back to the NCAA division II College World Series? Will St. Dom’s have a Catholic High School victory repeat?

Will Patrick Anderson be able to turn his 16 new freshmen into a collegiate powerhouse? Will New York Tech be a dominate force in their first season in the Great West Conference? All we know is that anything is possible and we are certain that we have some good baseball ahead of us. A very special thank you from the BPM team, to all of the coaches and sports information directors at each of the colleges, universities and high schools. We appreciate all of your hard work and efforts in helping us to compile the information that is found within the 2010 BPM Baseball Preview.

To all of the athletes and coaches, BPM wishes you your best season to date, both on and off the field!

10 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

BPM2010 BASEBALL PREVIEW

Dowling College Photography by Richard Orr

INSIDE LOOK AT COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Dowling College’s Pitcher Gabriel Duran, who was Daktronics and NCBWA National Pitcher of the Year celebrates with catcher David Wendt, who was a 50th round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays.

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY PANTHERS

CHRIS WEIDLEIN

MIKE BARTLETT

Seventh-year Head Coach Dom Scala feels that the Panthers pitching staff could be as deep as eight starters and Scala is comfortable throwing any one of them at any given time. "I am a firm believer in pitching and defense," said Scala. "We have that and I am confident that it will be our cornerstone this year." Junior starting pitcher Keith Couch is coming off a dominating 2009 campaign. Couch went 9-2 last season with an ERA of just 1.31, striking out a team-high 75 batters in 89.1 innings of work. He was also an All-ECC selection, while also being named All-Region. Senior pitcher Mike Bartlett posted a record of 5-2 during the 2009 season with an ERA of 2.53, striking out 39 in 64 innings pitched. Senior third basemen Weidlein, a Third-Team All-Conference selection in 2009, hit .265 with 22 RBI, 14 runs scored and 41 hits, while slugging .361 and posting an on base percentage of .328. Senior pitcher Mike Scudero missed the 2009 season due to injury, but was an All-Conference honoree in 2008 after appearing in 10 games, throwing 48.2 innings and striking out 50, with an ERA of 2.40. The first game of the 2010 season is February 23 vs. Concordia (NY), 3pm EST on the Pantherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home field in Garden City, NY.

12 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Adelphi University Photography by Brian Ballweg

The Adelphi University baseball team is fresh off an East Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles in 2009. The Panthers fell to Dowling College in the NCAA East Regional Championship game, 1-0, ending their season with a 34-16 overall record. Adelphi will look to continue their success in 2010 in their first year in the Northeast-10 Conference. Franklin Pierce University and Assumption College, who are members of the NE10, both made the NCAA Tournament last year. Even with the Panthers losing three guys who hit over .300 to graduation, they return a very solid pitching staff, as well as some key offensive contributors.

YR SO SO SO SR FR SR JR JR FR JR SO FR JR JR JR FR SO JR FR SR SR JR FR SO SO SR SR FR SO SO SR SR JR

POS 1B 2B Catcher Catcher/Outfield Infield 1B Infield Catcher/1B/OF Infield/Outfield Pitcher Infield 2B Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Catcher Catcher 3B/Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher

HT 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-2 5-10 5-11 5-8 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-7 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-9 6-4 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-2

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Glendale, NY/Monsignor McClancy HS Herricks, NY/St. Mary's HS Franklin Square, NY/Carey HS/Franklin Pierce University Sayville, NY/Sayville HS/Suffolk CCC Shelton, CT/Shelton HS Rocky Point, NY/Rocky Point HS/York College of PA Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS Seaford, NY/Seaford HS/Nassau CC Franklin Square, NY/Carey HS Staten Island, NY/Tottenville HS Queens, NY/St. Francis Prep North Bellmore, NY/Kellenberg Memorial HS Smithtown, NY/Kings Park HS New York, NY/Cardinal Hayes HS/Monroe CC Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem Central HS Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic HS West Nyack, NY/Clarkston South HS Welland, Ontario/Notre Dame College School Setauket, NY/Ward Melville HS Bohemia, NY/Connetquot HS Merrick, NY/Calhoun HS Holbrook, NY/Sachem East HS/Suffolk CCC Centereach, NY/Centereach HS Staten Island, NY/Tottenville HS Dix Hills, NY/Half Hollow Hills HS Massapequa Park, NY/Massapequa HS Baldwin, NY/Kellenberg Memorial HS Jericho, NY/Jericho HS Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic HS New Hyde Park, NY/Chaminade HS Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River HS Massapequa Park, NY/Massapequa HS Elmont, NY/Holy Trinity HS

INSIDE LOOK: ADELPHI UNIVERSITY

NAME Justin Farnum Craig Matteo T.J. Humrich Justin Ciamillo Michael Sarni Anthony Anzalone Matt Barle Richard McCarren Thomas Torregrossa Salvatore Persico Lucas Romeo Nick Pomo-Roman Eddie Owsinski Jonathan Gonzalez Oren Rasowsky Dillon McNamara J.J. Giordano Robert Nixon Chris Bozza Frank Staib Chris Weidlein Trevor Thorstensen Jimmy Milani Robert Eysel Chris Pabisch Mike Bartlett Teddy Rohrs James McCormack Michael Carletti Chris Murphy Jason Intelisano Mike Scudero Keith Couch

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY 2010 ROSTER NO 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 16 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 34 35 37 42 44 46 47 48 55

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Dom Scala Associate Head Coach - Bob Malvagna Assistant Coaches - Ryan Boelsen, Mike Myers, Al Sontag and Casey Twibell

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.adelphi.edu. Adelphi University â&#x20AC;˘ Garden City, NY February 23 Concordia 3:00 PM February 25 C.W. Post 3:00 PM February 27 Franklin Pierce (DH) 11:00 AM March 3 Mercy 3:00 PM March 5 St. Thomas Aquinas 3:00 PM March 6 St. Thomas Aquinas (DH) 11:00 AM March 9 Queens 3:00 PM March 19 Dominican 3:30 PM March 20 Bentley (DH)* 12:00 PM March 25 New Haven* 3:30 PM March 28 Assumption* 1:00 PM

March 30 April 5 April 8 April 10 April 11 April 20 April 21 April 24 April 28 April 29

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event Mercy 3:30 PM Caldwell* 3:30 PM American International* 3:30 PM UMass-Lowell (DH)* 12:00 PM St. Rose (DH)* 2:00 PM S. Connecticut St.* 3:30 PM Kutztown* 3:30 PM S. New Hampshire* 12:00 PM Pace* 3:30 PM Wilmington (DE) 3:30 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE SEAHAWKS

JEFF DELUCA

DAVE DARCY

battling for the shortstop position. Freshman sensation Kevin Licul, the cleanup hitter for Levittown Division last year, will man first base. Kevin Burke will also see time at first while also securing the lefty-hitting designated hitter role. In the outfield, the Seahawks defensive strength, captain Tim Coglietta will once again man centerfield. He will be flanked by Sean O’Malley in left (second on the team in on base percentage last year) and the return of Sam Braverman in right. Braverman, who was out all of last year after Tommy John surgery, hit 6 home runs and had 31 runs batted in his freshman campaign in 2008. Anthony Mele, an All County graduate of Island Trees High School, is expected to see a lot of outfield play as well. Behind the plate is where the Seahawks lack experience, but if the fall was any indication, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Freshman Joe Solomeno of Sachem High School, Eric Weiner of Deer Park High School and Dave Haskin of Seaford High School all figure to get time. The catchers combined to throw out over 50% of potential base stealers in the fall. The team plays its home games at PAL Complex in Holbrook, NY. The road schedule this year includes a four game series at the University of Dallas as well as trips to Virginia, Massachusetts, and Ohio. So does Puccio expect the Seahawks to get bid #5 despite the tough schedule? “We’ve been there before. We will be there again. I have a lot of faith in this team.” The road back to the National Championships begins for Briarcliffe in Virginia on February 19, 2010. The first home game for the Seahawks will take place March 13 against SUNY Old Westbury.

14 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Briarcliffe College Photography by William Shea

The Briarcliffe baseball program will shoot for their fifth straight USCAA National Tournament bid in 2010. The Seahawks, who won the USCAA National Title in 2006, will count on strong pitching and defense along with timely hitting. Captain and All-American Lee Ranta, who enters the season with a lifetime 18-5 mark, will anchor a pitching staff that head coach Gary Puccio calls, “one of the best I have ever had”. Sophomore Vin Aprano had a sensational freshman campaign and figures to be even better in 2010. A healthy Rick Doht fills Briarcliffe’s 3rd spot in the rotation. Both Aprano and Doht pitched for North Babylon High School. The fourth starter will be Chris Brezinski, a freshman from Farmingdale High School. Brezinski had an outstanding fall, giving up just one run in eleven innings of work. The bullpen is much stronger than last year, with seventh inning man Jeff DeLuca the only holdover. Kurt Stettner, a freshman from Comsewogue has been named the closer. Dan Harty, Rich Ireland and Rafael Perez are battling for the eighth inning role as well as the fifth starter spot. The infield returns Reggie Smith at second base, someone Puccio calls, “the best overall second baseman I have ever coached”. Third baseman Dave Darcy hit over .300 last year in his freshman campaign, and should be a major RBI guy for the Seahawks. Tom Locrotondo and Gabe Ermarrino are

YR SO JR SR FR FR JR SR FR SO JR SO SO FR FR SO SO FR FR JR JR SR SO

POS Catcher 2B Infield/Outfield Pitcher/Catcher Outfield Pitcher/Outfield Outfield Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Catcher/Infield 3B/Pitcher 1B/Pitcher 1B/Pitcher Pitcher/Outfield Outfield Pitcher/1B Pitcher 3B/Pitcher

HT 6-0 5-9 5-7 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-5 5-6 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-1 5-8 6-2 6-1 6-0

High School/Last College Seaford HS/Transfer from Nassau CC Kings Park HS Kings Park HS/Suffolk CC Mattituck HS/SUNY Oswego Island Trees HS WT Clarke HS Smithtown HS/Suffolk CC Sachem East HS WT Clarke HS North Babylon HS St. Dominic HS/Nassau CC North Babylon HS Farmingdale HS Deer Park HS Glen Cove HS North Babylon HS Levittown Division HS Comsewogue HS Farmingdale HS/Nassau CC Valley Stream Central H.S Sir Allen MacNab HS, Canada Island Trees HS

INSIDE LOOK: BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE

NAME Dave Hoskin Reggie Smith Tom Locrotondo Rich Ireland Anthony Mele Sam Braverman Tim Coglietta Joe Solomeno Jeff Deluca Rick Doht Dan Harty Vin Aprano Chris Brezinski Eric Weiner Gabe Errmarino Kevin Burke Kevin Licul Kurt Stettner Sean O'Malley Rafael Perez Lee Ranta Dave Darcy

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE 2010 ROSTER NO 2 3 4 6 7 8 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 31 32 34 37 38 44

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Gary Puccio Assistant Coaches - Enver Lopez, Matt Rocchio, Justin McKay and Keith Kenny

BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.bcl.edu. Briarcliffe College â&#x20AC;˘ Holbrook, NY (DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event

TIM COGLIETTA

March 12 March 13 March 13 March 14 March 16 March 19 March 20 March 23 March 26 April 2 April 6 April 7 April 14 April 20 April 27 April 29 April 30

Penn State Albington (DH)* Penn State Brandywine* Old Westbury Penn State Brandywine (DH)* Suffolk West Southern Maine Southern Maine Globe Maine-Presque Isle Fisher College(DH) ASA Globe ASA St. Joseph* Suffolk West Aprentice* Aprentice (DH)*

1:00 PM TBA 1:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 11:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM TBA 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

C.W. POST-LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY The C.W. Post baseball team looks to rebound after a disappointing, injury-plagued 2009 season that saw them post a 13-32 record. However, with a strong core of the lineup returning, the Pioneers will look to return to the form of 2008, where they won an East Coast Conference title and a berth in the NCAA East Regional. Head coach Pete Timmes believes his squad will be quicker and more athletic this season. “In the ECC, it could be anyone’s year,” Timmes stated. “Obviously Dowling is the team to beat, advancing to the College World Series last season. But we had a strong fall, and we are looking to come out and compete right away.” Pitching will be the team’s first and foremost strength, with a good mix of veteran and rookie hurlers that should be one of the top rotations in the ECC. Seniors Bobby Kay and Pete Budkevics look to head up the rotation, both have previous all-conference and all-region accolades that can attest to their talent. Senior Brian Saldana will also look to cap a strong career, with Timmes looking to use him exclusively out of the bullpen. Fellow senior Mark Czerniawski posted strong numbers last season, earning a second-team allconference nod, and looks to repeat the performance this spring. The Pioneers are strong up the middle, with

BRIAN ANDERSON

catcher Brian Anders on returning for his fifth year after losing last year due to injury. The veteran backstop has outstanding BRYAN BONIN defensive abilities and handles the pitching staff very well, in addition to being a solid bat in the middle of the lineup. At shortstop for his final season will be senior Bryan Bonin. A standout on defense and a solid bat at the top of the lineup for the past three seasons, Bonin will look to put up strong numbers in his last season. With a career fielding percentage of .937, the shortstop will anchor an otherwise young infield. Vying for spots in the Pioneer infield will be several freshmen, starting with Anthony Corona, who looks to earn a spot at first base and behind the plate, splitting time with Anderson at both positions. Casey McKay is slated as the second baseman, taking over for a graduated Kyle Walker. Highly touted freshman Kevin Chenicek will likely see a majority of the action at the hot corner, and also see time on the mound and possibly in the DH slot. In the outfield, senior Mike Callaghan will make the move to right field, taking advantage of a strong throwing arm that will limit runners looking to take the extra base. Freshman speedster Zack Graczyk will take over in center field, and several players will compete for time in left field, with freshman Joe Armenti, sophomore Eddie Bartley and senior Kyle Dean as the leading candidates for the starting job. C.W. Post’s first home game is February 28 vs. Franklin Pierce. Conference play kicks off March 19 vs St.Thomas Aquinas, and continues vs. Dowling in a five-game series beginning March 23.

16 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

C.W. Post-Long Island University Photography by Joe Rogate

PIONEERS

NAME Zack Graczyk Steve Plochochi Kyle Dean Casey McKay Steve Mare Paul DelGiacco Brian Tardif Brian Saldana Pete Budkevics Nick Compito Bo Budkevics Mark Czerniawski John Swertfager Michael Behar Glen Hudson Brett Belsky Joe Mare Bryan Bonin Brian Anderson Mike Callaghan Josh Laufer Bobby Kay Anthony Corona Zachary Badanes David Saldana Greg Byrnes Kevin Chenicek Edward Bartley Stephen Orefice Chris Armstrong Ryan O'Kelly Joseph Armenti Marshall Kapson Jordan Epstein Terrence Macken Dan Burnett

YR FR SO SR FR FR SO FR SR SR SO SO SR FR SO SO SR FR SR SR SR FR SR FR FR FR SO FR SO SR JR FR FR JR FR FR RFR

POS Outfield Pitcher Infield/Outfield Infield Infield Catcher Pitcher/Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher/IF/OF Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield Infield Catcher Outfield Pitcher Pitcher 3B/OF/C Pitcher/IF Outfield Pitcher 3B/Pitcher Outfield Catcher/1B/3B Pitcher/Outfield Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Pitcher

HT 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-0 5-5 5-9 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-6 5-11 5-11

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Carmel, NY/Carmel HS Sayville, NY/Sayville HS Southbury, CT/Pomperaug HS North Massapequa, NY/St. John the Baptist HS Whitestone, NY/Holy Cross HS Levittown, NY/Levittown HS Cutchogue, NY/Mattituck HS/Monmouth University Deer Park, NY/Deer Park HS Deer Park, NY/Deer Park HS Jericho. NY/Syosset HS Deer Park, NY/Deer Park HS Glen Cove, NY/Glen Cove HS/Nassau CC Kotonah, NY/John Jay HS Staten Island, NY/Tottenville HS West Sayville, NY/Sayville HS Brooklyn, NY/Midwood HS Whitestone, NY/Holy Cross HS Commack, NY/Commack HS Nesconset, NY/Sachem HS East Meadow, NY/East Meadow HS East Northport, NY/East Northport HS Stony Brook, NY/Ward Melville HS Carmel, NY/J.F.K. Catholic HS Syosset, NY/Syosset HS Deer Park, NY/Deer Park HS Mount Sinai, NY/Mount Sinai HS Levittown, NY/Division Ave. HS Bethpage, NY/Bethpage HS Wappingers Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham HS/Dutchess CC Highland Mills, NY/Monroe Woodbury HS New Hyde Park, NY/New Hyde Park HS Dix Hills, NY/Half Hollow Hills West Commack, NY/Commack HS/Suffolk CC Port Washington, NY/Port Washington HS Sayville, NY/Sayville HS

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Pete Timmes Assistant Coaches - Hector Aristy, Bill Gaffney, Dick Vining and Matt Whittington

INSIDE LOOK: C.W. POST - LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

NO 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 13 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 41 42 43 44

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

C.W. POST-LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 2010 ROSTER

C.W. POST-LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.cwpostpioneers.com. C.W. Post-Long Island University â&#x20AC;˘ Brookville, NY February 28 Franklin Pierce (DH) 12:00 PM March 2 Pace 3:00 PM March 6 Concordia TBA March 13 S. New Hampshire (DH) 12:00 PM March 14 S. New Hampshire (DH) 12:00 PM March 19 Saint Thomas Aquinas* 3:00 PM March 20 St. Thomas Aquinas (DH)* 12:00 PM March 26 Dowling College* 3:00 PM March 27 Dowling College* (DH) 12:00 PM

March 31 April 5 April 9 April 10 April 14 April 20 April 25 April 28 May 2

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event Bridgeport* 3:00 PM Bridgeport* 3:00 PM Queens* 3:00 PM Queens (DH)* 12:00 PM Caldwell 3:00 PM Mercy* 3:00 PM Mercy* 12:00 PM Molloy* 3:00 PM Molloy* 1:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

DOWLING COLLEGE GOLDEN LIONS

The Golden Lions celebrate after clinching the 2009 Northeast Regional Championship.

COLIN BARNATHAN

Cipoletti, Marc Rutledge, and Nicholas Albero are also back on the pitching staff that led the nation in earned run average. Among returning position players, the Golden Lions have four all-conference players back. Frank Intagliata and Colin Barnathan, both all-conference first teamers in ’09, are back after tying for the team lead in hitting with a .314 average. Barnathan, who was also a Daktronics All-Region selection, also finished third on the team with 28 RBI. First baseman Daniel Pembroke returns for his last season after a breakout junior campaign in which he hit .304 and led the team in homeruns (4) and RBI (34). Eddie Squeri, a slick fielding shortstop who also hit .284 with 28 RBI, is the Golden Lions fourth returning allconference player. Dowling’s biggest hole to fill will come behind the plate after the graduation of four year starter and Tampa Bay Rays’ 50th round draft pick, David Wendt. Taylor Bargiacchi, who hit .352 in 54 atbats and threw out 33% of attempted base-stealers in 2009, and newcomer Daniel Masiello will fight for time to replace Wendt. Other newcomers who could make an impact in their first season in navy blue and gold are Joe Candela, and All-League player from Westhampton High School, and Sean Craig, also and All-League selection from Rocky Point High School. Dowling will start their season with a double header vs. Franklin Piece on February 20 at the Golden Lion sports complex in Brookhaven, NY.

18 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Dowling College Photography by Richard Orr

The 2009 season will go down as the most successful campaign in program history to date for the Dowling College baseball team. After making their first ever trip to the World Series, the Golden Lions finished the season with a 35-16 record. The 35 victories were a single season program record, eclipsing the 34 victories of the 2004 squad. So what should we expect in 2010? With only 4 seniors graduating off the record breaking 2009 squad, the 2010 edition of the Dowling Baseball team should be positioned for a deep run into the NCAA Tournament to defend their East Region crown. Dowling will return seven starters and four pitchers who tossed more than 45 innings including Daktronics and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association National Pitcher of the Year, Gabriel Duran. Also a First Team All-American by three different publications, Duran returns after an outstanding sophomore season in which he set the program’s single season record for wins. The righty from Brooklyn, NY, finished the 2009 season with a 10-2 record (including a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts against Felician College), a 1.30 ERA, and 83 strikeouts in 89.1 innings. East Regional Most Outstanding Player Buddy

NAME Justin Brooks Erik Cabrera Colin Barnathan Peter Scianna Frank Intagliata Marc Rutledge Eddie Squeri Joel Duverge Andrew Varela Mike Courtney Taylor Bargiacchi Joe Trainor Buddy Cipoletti Nicholas Albero Daniel Pembroke Gabriel Duran Rob Faulkner Brian Ferguson Anthony De La Rosa Ralph Tufano Joe Candela Tim Comiskey Sean Craig Kevin Kerman P.J. Lenz Daniel Masiello Chris Mendoza Steve Shea Andrew Smith

YR JR JR JR SO SR SO JR SR SR SR SO SR SR SO SR JR JR JR SO JR FR SR FR FR FR FR FR SO SO

POS Pitcher Infield Infield Infield Infield Pitcher Infield Infield/Outfield Infield/Pitcher Pitcher Catcher Pitcher/Infield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher Pitcher/Outfield Outfield Pitcher Outfield Infield/Outfield Pitcher Infield Infield Infield/Pitcher Catcher Pitcher Catcher Pitcher

HT 5-10 5-7 6-4 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-5 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-6 5-9 6-2 6-1

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College West Sand Lake, NY/Averill Park HS Ronkonkoma, NY/Connetquot HS Massapequa, NY/St. Anthony's HS Chicago, IL/St. Mary's HS Franklin Square, NY/Frank Carey HS Ridge, NY/Longwood HS Shirley, NY/William Floyd HS Brooklyn,NY/LaSalle Academy Brooklyn, NY/LaSalle Academy Bronx, NY/Salesian HS Chester, NJ/Northern Highlands HS Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS West Islip, NY/St. John the Baptist New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle HS Shoreham-Wading River, NY/Shoreham-Wading River Brooklyn, NY/La Salle Academy West Islip, NY/West Islip HS Ronkonkoma, NY/Connetquot HS Brooklyn, NY/Lasalle Academy Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph by the Sea HS East Quoge, NY/Westhampton HS Great River, NY/East Islip HS Rocky Point, NY/Rocky Point HS Mastic, NY/William Floyd HS Greenlawn, NY/Harborfields HS Staten Island, NY/St. Peter's HS Ronkonkoma, NY/Connetquot HS East Islip, NY/East Islip Sound Beach, NY/Miller Place HS

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Chris Celano Assistant Coach - Jim Farrell Assistant Coach - George Loft Graduate Assistant - Kevin Reese

INSIDE LOOK: DOWLING COLLEGE

NO 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 15 16 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 31 -

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

DOWLING COLLEGE 2010 ROSTER

DOWLING COLLEGE 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.dowlingathletics.com. Dowling College â&#x20AC;˘ Brookhaven, NY February 20 Franklin Pierce (DH) February 21 Franklin Pierce February 27 Stonehill (DH) February 28 Stonehill March 2 Bloomfield March 4 Pace March 6 New Haven (DH) March 7 S. New Hampshire (DH) March 9 Dominican March 21 Queens* March 23 C.W. Post*

12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM TBA 1:00 PM 3:30 PM

March 24 March 28 April 1 April 3 April 9 April 10 April 14 April 18 April 23 April 24 April 27

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event Queens* 3:30 PM C.W. Post* 1:00 PM Mercy* 3:30 PM Mercy (DH)* 12:00 PM STAC* 3:30 PM STAC (DH)* 12:00 PM Molloy* 3:30 PM Molloy* 1:00 PM Bridgeport* 3:30 PM Bridgeport (DH)* 1:00 PM Concordia 3:30 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE RAMS

KEVIN CURTIS

offensively and defensively. Nersesian (.333) and Scarlato (.354) split time behind the plate, catching for a pitching staff that had a low ERA of 3.03 in Skyline Conference games. The pitching staff will feature key returnees in sophomore right hander Chris Phelan and senior right hander Steve King. Phelan finished his rookie season with a 5-1 record and 3.97 ERA in six starts and 18 appearances. King held batters to a .189 average and went 5-4 overall in seven starts, posting a 4.12 ERA. Senior Patrick Gilbride, will help out the bullpen. Notable transfers for this season are sophomore second baseman Danny Devito, junior third baseman Nick Wiwczar, junior outfielder Ryan Rubenstein and senior pitcher Ian Solomon. Devito and Rubenstein, transfers from Suffolk West, helped the Longhorns capture their third straight Region XV Championship in '09. Wiwczar, a transfer from Suffolk East, will look to see his way into the starting lineup at third base. Soloman, a transfer from Division II New Haven, will help stack the rotation with some talent. He threw for two years at UNH, making eight appearances his freshman season and seven appearances last year. Some freshman recruits for the Rams include Ron Remi, a shortstop from St. Anthony's; Terrance Bohanen, an outfielder from Patchogue-Medford; Vinny Messana, a pitcher from Centereach; Matt Holder, an infielder from Connetquot; and Eddie Balzer, a pitcher from William Floyd.

20 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Photography by Farmingdale State College Athletics

The Farmingdale State Rams baseball team gears up for the 2010 season ranked #13 in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's NCAA Division III Pre-season Poll. In 2009, the Rams captured their second consecutive Skyline Conference Championship and their first-ever New York Region Championship to advance to the NCAA Division III College World Series for the first time in school history. As one of just eight teams to appear in the World Series, Farmingdale faced DIII powerhouses Shenandoah and Chapman. With a final season record of 30-17 and a D3baseball.com ranking of #18 in the Nation, the Rams graduated seven players but will look towards the 15 returning upperclassmen (including 12 seniors), along with some key transfers, to continue the Championship streak under fifth year head coach Keith Osik. Osik holds a career coaching record of 96-69 and was named the 2009 ECAC Metro and New York Region Coach of the Year. Highlighting the returnees, junior first baseman and 2009 Skyline Conference Player of the Year, Kevin Curtis, batted .407 last season, leading the team in hits (55), RBI (44) and total bases (70). Senior outfielder Frank Ennis, batted .336 with 34 RBI and 11 doubles. Senior outfielder Donny Moscatelli, finished the year batting .342, was second in RBI with 38 and had a team-high 152 at-bats. Senior designated hitter Mike Labrozzi, led the team with 39 runs scored. Senior centerfielder Frank Yera, led the team with a .415 batting average and held a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage to win the 2009 New York Regions ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Junior outfielder Matt Weingartner, who hit .484 with a .742 slugging percentage over 17 games, will be a key asset once again this year. Senior catcher Zak DONNY MOSCATELLI Nersesian and sophomore catcher Frank Scarlato had solid years in '09, both

NAME Vincent Sanquini Jonathan Matteo Frank Yera Zak Nersesian Steve King Frank Ennis Kevin Curtis Frank Scarlato James Raimondi Mike Labrozzi Patrick Gilbride Ryan McAllister Vinny Block Gary Troy Matt Weingartner Don Moscatelli Chris Phelan Eddie Balzer Terrence Bohanen Ray Carmel George Daw Dan Devito Zach Gardner Cameron Kohn Rob Macaluso Joe Marino Vinny Messana Ron Remi Ryan Rubenstein Ryan Rusoff Nick Ventricelli Bobby Vollmer David Zilnicki Nick Wiwczar Chris Longo Ian Solomon Matt Holder

YR SO SR SR SR SR SR JR SO SR SR SR SO SR JR JR SR SO FR FR FR SO SO FR FR FR FR FR FR JR FR FR FR FR JR JR SR FR

POS Outfield 3B Outfield Catcher Utility Outfield 1B Catcher Pitcher Outfield/DH Pitcher Infield Outfield Pitcher Outfield Outfield/DH Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Outfield Pitcher/3B 2B Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher SS Pitcher SS Outfield RHP/2B Outfield Catcher 3B 3B Pitcher Pitcher 3B

HT 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-7 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-4 6-0 5-9

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Levittown, NY/MacArthur Searingtown, NY/St. Mary's/Nassau CC Manhattan, NY/Grand Street Campus HS/Clarendon CC Nyack, NY/Nyack HS Freeport, NY/Freeport HS Commack, NY/Commack HS Riverhead, NY/Riverhead HS Holbrook, NY/Sachem North HS Medford, NY/Patchogue HS Sag Harbor, NY/Pierson HS East Meadow, NY/East Meadow HS/Nassau CC Miller Place, NY/Rocky Point HS Mineola, NY/Chaminade HS/St. Peter's Rocky Point, NY/Rocky Point HS Westbury, NY/W.T. Clarke HS Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford HS Shirley, NY/William Floyd HS Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford HS Waterford, NY/Waterford-Half Moon HS West Babylon, NY/West Babylon HS Plainview, NY/Holy Trinity HS/Suffolk West Waterford, NY/Waterford-Half Moon HS Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills West HS Deer Park, NY/Deer Park HS Dix Hills, NY/Hills West HS Lake Ronkonkoma, NY/Centereach HS Massapequa, NY/St. Anthony's HS Deer Park, NY/St. Anthony's HS/Suffolk West Albertson, NY/Herricks HS Woodbury, NY/St. Anthony's HS Patchogue, NY\Patchogue-Medford HS Riverhead, NY/Riverhead HS Kings Park, NY/Kings Park HS/Suffolk East Commack, NY/Commack HS/St. Louis Univ. Northport, NY/Northport HS/New Haven Ronkonkoma, NY/Connetquot HS

INSIDE LOOK: FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

NO 1 2 7 8 12 19 21 22 23 25 26 28 31 36 43 45 55 -

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE 2010 ROSTER

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Keith Osik Assistant Coaches - Steve Hassan, Dan Maccagli and Tom Caputo Volunteer Assistant - John Anarumo and Brian Benvenuto

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.farmingdalesports.com. Farmingdale State University â&#x20AC;˘ Farmingdale, NY March 6 Western New England 2:00 PM March 7 Cortland State 12:00 PM March 13 Eastern Connecticut TBA March 14 Southern Maine TBA March 21 Old Westbury (DH)* 12:00 PM March 24 Kean 3:30 PM

April 1 April 7 April 10 April 11 April 20

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event Nassau CC 4:00 PM Oneonta St. 3:30 PM St. Joseph's (DH)* 12:00 PM Maritime (DH)* 12:00 PM Yeshiva (DH)* 5:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY RAMS

J.P. MACK Pendergast, brings an imposing frame to the hill and was a freshman All-American at Manhattan, while the addition of Anastasi and DeMartino gives the Rams' depth in their ability to match-up with left-handed hitters, while bring very good velocity to the hill. Despite losing two All-Atlantic 10 caliber players in utility player Danny Leach and first baseman Bobby DiNardo, the Rams still return seven starters, including all three outfielders and middle infielders. The Rams' return middle infield sophomores Nick Martinez and Brian Kownacki after starting most of their freshmen season. Second baseman Martinez is coming off a .356 batting average in conference play. Kownacki, a staple at shortstop, bat .284 with 29 RBI. The biggest key to the Rams' success will be the return of Como to heart of Fordham's line-up, having played in just three games last season before going down with a season-ending knee injury. In his lone series, Como was a big offensive contributor, collecting six hits and five runs scored at Florida Atlantic. Behind the dish the Ram's will mainly see senior Angelo Ponte and junior Chris walker get most of catching duties. Walker had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2009, leading the Atlantic 10 with eight pickoffs and rating seventh in base runners caught stealing. Ponte brings a pretty good bat, hitting three home runs and 21 RBI in 2009. Ryan McCrann is also back and will see time at both first base and as DH this season. The lefthanded hitting senior registered a team-high 15 double, four home runs and 23 RBI. The Rams first home game is March 3 vs. Manhattan.

22 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Fordham University Photography by Vincent Dusovic

Upon the Ram’s fourth Atlantic 10 Championship in six seasons, the 2010 Fordham baseball team has plenty of young and experienced veterans to make another strong run in the Atlantic 10, challenging Charlotte, Xavier, and Dayton for the league crown. The Rams, who finished with a record 22-31 overall last season, 16-11 in the conference, are led by sixth year head coach Nick Restaino, who has put together a nice mix of young arms with experienced fielders and hitters. The pitching staff will welcome back senior captain J.P. Mack for a fifth season into the rotation for 2010. Mack, a 6’3” left hander, led the Rams' starters in innings pitched (97.0) and strikeouts (48), while earning Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the week once during the season. Other returning impact pitchers are senior Brando Casalicchio, John Flanagan, Max Krakowiak, Jordan Grangard and Daniel Munday. Flanagan established himself in the starting rotation by midseason in 2009, posting a 6-3 record, while Krakowiak has had an impressive offseason, looking to improve on his 2009 numbers, where he suffered through an injury plagued season. Casalicchio, Grangard, and Munday will head up the bullpen. Grangard was the team leader in ERA at 4.47, appearing 21 games with two saves, while Munday made 20 appearances, recording 39 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings and three saves. After battling elbow problems, Casalicchio will move to the bullpen with a slightly altered delivery that was very effective in the fall, and is relishing his new role. The pitching staff will also get a boost from the additions of junior transfer Brian Prendergast (6’4”, RHP) and freshmen leftANGELO PONTE handers Rich Anastasi and Ryan DeMartino.

NAME Ryan Maghini Mike Mauri Chris Walker Daniel Munday Matt DeSilva Ryan Lee Angelo Ponte Nick Martinez Ryan DeMartino Michael Taddei Mike Mobbs Stephen McSherry Brian Kownacki Dan Camano John Flanagan J.P. Mack Rich Anastasi James Stone Alex Kenny Joe Russo Daniel Sorine Jordan Grangard Shane Fox Brian Thompson Max Krakowiak Jeremy Adel P.J. Como Ryan David Joseph Charest Brian Pendergast Ryan Fedak Ryan McCrann Brando Casalicchio

YR SO FR JR SO FR FR SR SO FR SR SR SO SO SO JR SR FR JR JR JR FR SO JR JR JR FR SR JR FR JR FR SR SR

POS Infield Infield Catcher Pitcher Infield Outfield Catcher/Pitcher Infield 1B/Pitcher Infield Outfield Outfield Infield Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Infield Infield/Outfield Pitcher/IF Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher

HT 6-0 5-8 5-9 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-3

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Madison, CT/Daniel Hand HS Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS Bethpage, NY/St. Anthony’s HS Rockaway Park, NY/Xavier HS Buchanan, NY/Hendrick Hudson HS Attleboro, MA/Bishop Feehan HS Old Tappan, NJ/Northern Valley Reg. Miami, FL/Belen Jesuit Prep Clifton, NJ/Montclair Kimberley Academy Medford, NY/Patchogue Medford HS Stony Point, NY/Don Bosco Prep Red Bank, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy Woodbridge, CT/Amity Regional HS Wall, NJ/Wall HS Andover, MA/Boston College High Plano, TX/Jesuit College Prep Waldwick, NJ/St. Joseph Regional HS Massapequa, NY/Chaminade HS Chester, NJ/West Morris Mendham HS Lancaster, PA/Conestoga Valley HS Eastchester, NY/Eastchester HS Jupiter, FL/Jupiter HS Mt. Laurel, NJ/Bishop Eustace HS Hingham, MA/Phillips Academy Westport, CT/Staples HS Newberry, FL/St. Francis HS Sea Cliff, NY/North Shore HS Meriden, CT/O.H. Platt HS Swansea, MA/La Salle Academy (RI) Unionville, CT/Farmington HS/Manhattan College Bronx, NY/Fordham Prep Needham, MA/Needham HS/Boston College Huntington, NY/Cold Spring Harbor HS/Wallace State

INSIDE LOOK: FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

NO 1 2 4 5 6 7 9 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 40 41

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY 2010 ROSTER

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Nick Restaino Assistant Coaches - Trevor Brown and Mark Stevens Dir. Of Baseball Operations - Tony Mellaci Volunteer Assistant - Andrew Lang

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.fordhamsports.com. Fordham University • New York City, NY March 3 Manhattan 3:00 PM March 10 NYIT 3:00 PM March 24 Stony Brook 3:00 PM April 1 Rhode Island* 2:00 PM April 2 Rhode Island* 11:00 AM April 3 Rhode Island* 1:00 PM April 16 St. Louis* 4:00 PM April 17 St. Louis* 1:00 PM

April 18 April 20 April 30 May 1 May 2 May 20 May 21 May 22

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event St. Louis* 12:00 PM Iona 7:00 PM La Salle* 7:00 PM La Salle* 4:00 PM La Salle* 1:00 PM Duquesne* 2:00 PM Duquesne* 12:00 PM Duquesne* 7:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY PRIDE

MATT PROKOPOWICZ

native will once again be an important cog in the Hofstra lineup. Jared Hammer, a power-hitting freshman from New Jersey, should be the opening day first baseman and a middle of the order hitter. Slick fielding shortstop Matt Ford has won the shortstop job, while Iona transfer Mike Walraven gets the nod at third base. Senior catcher Elliot Hagburg will be pushed by County College of Morris transfer Kevin Flynn, who was a junior college All-American last season. The outfield returns starter John Kenny in centerfield. The senior batted .288 last season with 16 steals and should bat in the leadoff spot. A'Hara, a junior, hit .373 in limited action last season, but should get the majority of time in left field in 2010. Senior Ethan Paquette, a transfer from Vermont will get the starting nod in right field and will provide a steady presence in the middle of the batting order. Junior EJ Smith, a transfer from Delaware, and freshman Matt Hancock will likely share the designated hitter role. Both could also see action in the infield. Hofstra opens CAA play with a three-game series at Northeastern April 2-4. The Pride's longest home stand is a seven-game stretch featuring conference series versus VCU and William and Mary sandwiched around a game versus local rival Stony Brook March 21. "Our expectations in the CAA are simple: to battle and compete every time a ball is thrown in the air," Anderson said.

24 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Hofstra University Photography by Brian Ballweg

The Hofstra University Baseball team will take on a younger look this season with 16 freshmen and six transfer players competing for positions all over the diamond. Just nine players return from last season's squad that finished 11-32. Entering his second season, Head Coach Patrick Anderson thinks his first recruiting class could help Hofstra post its first 20-win season since 2007. The Pride returns two of its .300 hitters – Matt Prokopowicz and Scott A'Hara, closer Jeff Guthridge and ace Rob Kumbatovic, who both tied for a team best four wins. The Pride will try and help reverse last season's 6-18 conference record in order to compete for a spot in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship. After watching his fresh-faced team in fall exhibition games, Anderson said the team's skill and depth should be improved from his first campaign. “I want our mentality to be aggressive,” Anderson said, “We want to create a positive; energetic atmosphere and have everyone compete for all nine innings.” Kumbatovic will likely be the team's #1 starter in 2010, and a trio of freshmen in Jared Rogers, Cody Normand and Joe Burg will follow him in the rotation. Guthridge, a junior, returns to his closer role after posting three saves in 2009. Freshman John Krause and junior transfer Sean Monaghan will fill key ROB KUMBATOVIC relief roles for the Pride. The Pride’s infield sees Matt Prokopowicz slide to second base after spending the first three years of his Hofstra career at third. Coming off a season where he batted .344 with 30 RBIs, the Massapequa, NY,

NAME Matt Ford Anthony Nelson John Kenny Matt Watkins David D'Errico E.J. Smith Gregg Sarra Mike Walraven Kevin Flynn Darrin Dawber Andrew Barbarino Peter Magistrale Greg Lettini Jordan Bredehoeft Jeff Guthridge John Krause Matt Prokopowicz Sean Monaghan Scott A'Hara Jared Hammer Matt Hancock Joe Burg Elliot Hagburg Jared Rogers Ethan Paquette Drew Liebert Michael Beers Cody Normand Kevin Rigopoulos Rob Kumbatovic Ryan Radke T.J. Thomas

YR FR JR SR FR FR JR FR JR JR FR FR FR FR FR JR FR SR JR JR FR SO FR SR FR SR FR FR FR JR SR SR JR

POS Infield Outfield Outfield Infield Pitcher Infield/Outfield Pitcher Infield Catcher Infield Pitcher Infield/Outfield Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher Pitcher/Outfield Infield Catcher/Infield Pitcher Catcher Pitcher Infield/Outfield Pitcher Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield/Outfield

HT 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-3

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Lansing, NY/Lansing HS Wellington, FL/Glades Day School HS Franklin Square, NY/Valley Stream HS San Carlos, CA/St. Lawrence Academy North Kingstown, RI/North Kingstown HS Bethpage, NY/Bethpage HS/Delaware/St. John's River CC Ronkonkoma, NY/Connetquot HS Thompson Ridge, NY/Pine Bush HS/Iona Morristown, NJ/Morristown HS/County College of Morris East Northport, NY/St. Anthony's HS Endwell, NY/Maine-Endwell HS St. James, NY/Smithtown East HS Hempstead, NY/Kellenberg Memorial HS Morgan Hill, CA/St. Francis HS Bel Air, MD/Calvert Hall HS Wantagh, NY/MacArthur HS Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS East Meadow, NY/Kellenberg Memorial HS/Nassau CC Downingtown, PA/Coatesville HS Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central HS Old Lyme, CT/Xavier HS/East Carolina Lindenhurst, IL/Carmel HS East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park HS Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central HS West Burke, VT/St. Johnsbury Academy/Vermont Baltimore, MD/Towson HS Danbury, CT/Danbury HS North Kingstown, RI/North Kingstown HS Athol, MA/Athol HS Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough HS Frankfort, IL/Lincoln-Way East HS Hicksville, NY/St. Dominic's HS/San Diego State

INSIDE LOOK: HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

NO 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 41 -

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY 2010 ROSTER

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Patrick Anderson Assistant Coach - John Russo Assistant Coach - James Lally Volunteer Assistant - Kelly Haynes

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.gohofstra.com. Hofstra University â&#x20AC;˘ Hempstead, NY March 20 Fairfield (DH) 12:00 PM March 21 Fairfield (DH) 12:00 PM March 24 Manhattan 3:00 PM April 6 New York Tech 3:00 PM April 16 Virginia Commonwealth* 3:00 PM April 17 Virginia Commonwealth* 2:00 PM April 18 Virginia Commonwealth* 1:00 PM April 20 Army 3:30 PM April 21 Stony Brook 3:30 PM April 23 College of William & Mary* 3:00 PM

April 24 April 25 May 4 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 21 May 22 May 23

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event College of William & Mary* 2:00 PM College of William & Mary* 1:00 PM Long Island University 3:30 PM James Madison* 3:00 PM James Madison* 2:00 PM James Madison* 1:00 PM Old Dominion* 3:00 PM Old Dominion* 2:00 PM Old Dominion* 1:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

MANHATTAN COLLEGE JASPERS

MIKE GAZZOLA

6 triples. Mike McCann steps up to the plate this season as the new record holder for most hits in a single season with 85, batting .393 last year with 13 homeruns. Manhattan returns seven starters this season and 18 letter winners. Workouts have started and the Jaspers are looking forward to the start of the 2010 season. Slugger Anthony Armenio will most likely DH this season while Austin Sheffield will be at first and Chad Salem at the third. On the mound will be MAAC Pitcher of the Year, Mike Gazzola who posted a 7-1 record last year with four complete games. His last complete game came against Rider College in the opening game of the MAAC Championships. The Jaspers have a lot to live up to this year and are getting ready for a solid 2010 season. With Kevin Leighton as head of the Jasper club the ballplayers are in a good position. Kevin and his staff have coached the Jaspers to the four team MAAC Tournament field each of his four years. In 2006 the Jaspers won their first MAAC title and advanced to the Regional Finals of the NCAA Tournament where they defeated Joba Chamberlain and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. At the end of February Coach Leighton and the Jaspers are heading down to Miami to play the Hurricanes for their opening weekend. The Jaspers will battle with teams from the ACC, Big East, Colonial Athletic Association and Conference USA outside of a challenging MAAC Conference. The Jaspers home game opener is. Saturday, April 3rd against St. Peters in Riverdale, New York.

26 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Manhattan College Photography by Stockton Photo, Inc.

The Jaspers are coming off another great season competing in the MAAC Conference. The 2009 season found the Jaspers on top of the Conference, winning their second straight regular season title with an 18-6 record in conference play. Overall the Jaspers were 35-18, putting up a 14-3 record at home, in Riverdale, NY. This past year was Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth consecutive 30+ win season. This year they hope to make it their 5th and earn another bid to the NCAA Tournament. 2009 highlights include both Division I and Conference Rankings. In Division I baseball standing, the Manhattan Jaspers claim 5th in batting averages (.349), 12th in scoring (9.1 runs per game) and 22nd in doubles (2.45 per game). In MAAC Conference play, the Jaspers are first in seven out of nine categories (batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, runs scored, hits, RBI, doubles) and 2nd in the remaining two (home runs, total bases). Batting average (.349), slugging percentage (.529), Onbase percentage (.439), runs scored (480), hits (657), RBI (439), doubles (130) are the lengthy list where the Jaspers come out on top as conference leaders. They were second in home runs (61) and total bases (694). And looking to keep this going for the 2010 season. The 2010 roster will include recently named 2010 PING! Baseball Pre Season All American Third Team, All-MAAC outfielder and 2010 Louisville Preseason All American Kevin Nieto, along with juniors Mike McCann, 2009 First Team All- MAAC and Mark Onorati, 2009 First Team All-MAAC. Last year Neito led all of Division I with a KEVIN NIETO remarkable average of 1.57 runs per game, as well as breaking the program record of single season runs with 72 and

NAME Tom Moran Taylor Sewitt Kevin Nieto Will DeRuve Jamie Fitzgerald Tom Costigan Chad Salem Kyle Waddell Matt Troisi Mark Onorati Mike Giordano Zac Goyer Mike Gazzola Mike McCann Matt Jordan Anthony Armenio Ramon Ortega Austin Sheffield Rob Ardino Nick Camastro Julian De La Rosa Mike Gonzalez Eric Luksis Alvin Mata Kyle Murphy Joe Rock Giancarlo Santillo Brian Simmons John Soldinger Eddie Spitaletta Anthony Vega

YR SR SO SR SO SR SR JR JR SO JR SO SR SR JR SO SR SO JR JR FR FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR

POS Pitcher Infield Outfield Infield Catcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Catcher Catcher Infield Pitcher Infield Infield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield Outfield Outfield Infield Pitcher Outfield Outfield

HT 6-7 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-5 6-5 5-10 5-10 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-4 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-0

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Farmington, CT/St. Paul Catholic HS Highland Mills, NY/Monroe-Woodbury Miami, FL/Christopher Columbus HS Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central Ottawa, Canada/Monroe Community Cold Spring, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes Rye, NY/Iona Prep Tucson, AZ/Sahuaro HS Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian Williston Park, NY/Herricks HS Bedford, NY/Fox Lane Cropseyville, NY/Berlin HS White Plains, NY/Iona Prep Belle Harbor, NY/Archbishop Molloy HS Kingston, NY/Kingston Dix Hills, NY/Half Hallow Hills West HS Miami, FL/Christopher Columbus Augusta, GA/Gulliver Prep White Plains, NY/Iona Prep Lagrangeville, NY/Arlington HS Staten Island, NY/Lawrenceville School Miami, FL/Christopher Columbus HS Wappingers Falls, NY/John Jay HS Tuckahoe, NY/George Washington Waterbury, CT/Holy Cross HS Carmel, NY/Kennedy Catholic HS Flushing, NY/Holy Cross HS Cortlandt Manor, NY/Lakeland HS Bay Shore, NY/Bay Shore HS Hackensack, NJ/Paramus Catholic HS Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford HS

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Kevin Leighton Assistant Coaches - Ryan Darcy and Jason Spaulding Volunteer Assistants - Mark Russell and Douglas O'Lear

INSIDE LOOK: MANHATTAN COLLEGE

NO 5 6 7 8 9 11 14 17 18 22 24 25 27 29 30 31 33 34 -

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

MANHATTAN COLLEGE 2010 ROSTER

MANHATTAN COLLEGE 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.gojaspers.com. Manhattan College â&#x20AC;˘ Riverdale, NY (DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event April 3 April 5 April 7 April 21 May 1 May 2 May 4 May 15 May 16 May 20 May 21

St. Peter's (DH)* St.Peter's* Albany Columbia (DH) Niagara (DH)* Niagara* NYIT Iona (DH)* Iona* Siena (DH)* Siena*

12:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 2:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM

MIKE MCCANN

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

Briarcliffe’s Dave Darcy applying tag to Adelphi’s Anthony Bunomo (09’ Graduate).

YOU’RE OUT!

Photography by William Shea

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

MOLLOY COLLEGE LIONS

T.J. GREIG

ROBERT L A RUSSO

In 2009, freshman pitcher Fontana was pitches away from becoming one of a select few to pitch a perfect game for the Lions. Fontana took the mound in the ninth, Queens connected. Fontanas chance at a perfect game. was robbed. Michael Mongiardo was able to come in and save the game for Molloy, which secured Fontana's first win as a Lion. Also expected to make up the mix of the starting rotation are red-shirt freshman Larry Ulip in addition to seven newcomers. With the bat, Molloy brings back a majority of its leading hitters from a year ago. Senior, and 2009 East Coast Conference Player of the Year, T.J. Greig batted a team-high .364 with five homers and 33 RBI. He also posted a .492 slugging percentage and a .425 on-base percentage. Junior Robert LaRusso was another .300-plus swinger (.313) for the Lions. He also raked seven homers and 33 RBI and LaRusso was selected to the AllECC third-team. Senior catcher Brian Benes and sophomore outfielder Carmine Pellechia will be key defense factors. Last year, Benes recorded 239 putouts and threw out 16 runners, owning a fielding percentage of .993. Pellechia was named the 2009 East Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, had 92 putouts and two assists over the course of 45 games played. Fucarino and the Lions kick off their 2010 season on February 26 when they head to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for the Northeast Challenge.

30 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Molloy College Photography by Paul North

The 2009 Molloy squad finished the season with an overall record of 26-19, an East Coast Conference ledger of 16-8, a second-place finish in the league, and head coach Fucarino earning recognition as the East coach Conference Coach of the year. They headed to the ECC Baseball Championships confident and ready to bring a title home. The Lions lost to St. Thomas Aquinas College (10-3) and Dowling College (4-2), who went on to win the Division II National Championship. For the Lions, 2010 brings back a trio of pitchers. Leading the way is senior Steven Stewart, All-East Coast Conference first-team player and 2009 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-America honorable mention. Last season the right-hander went 4-5 with an earnedrun average of 1.63, ranking him seventh in the nation. He also ranked 11th in hits allowed per nine innings, at a ratio of 6.4. Stewart struck out 32 hitters in 71.2 innings pitched. The other two returners are sophomores Justin Jorgensen and Chuck Fontana. The slinging sidearm hurler, Jorgensen, posted a record of 7-4 with a 3.09 ERA, while Fontana registered a 9-6 ledger with 39 strikeouts.

NAME Joseph DeGennaro Juan Borbon Frank Marchisello Gary Bitetto Dominic Alongi Steven Stewart Greg Walsh Robert Inzerillo T.J. Greig Chuck Fontana Dominick Martelli Kris Kelly Anthony Luisi Brian Benes Erik Pyle Larry Ulip Michael Mongiardo Peter Rieger-Maresca Patrick Brown Robert LaRusso Carmine Pellechia Keith Dolega Justin Jorgensen Joseph Menendez Joseph Masone Steven Popielarski Tom Szenczy Joe Gallucci Matthew Metz Daniel Pelan

YR JR FR SO FR FR SR FR SO SR SO FR FR SR SR FR RFR SR SR FR JR SO FR SO JR SO JR FR FR FR SO

POS Infield Infield Infield Pitcher Catcher/Outfield Pitcher Infield/Outfield Outfield Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Infield/Catcher Catcher/1B Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Catcher/1B Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Outfield/1B Pitcher Outfield/Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher

HT 6-0 6-2 5-8 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-8 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-4

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS Plainview, NY/St. Dominic HS South Hempstead, NY/Moore Catholic HS Franklin Square, NY/Kellenberg HS Island Park, NY/West Hempstead HS Levittown, NY/W.T. Clarke HS Bellmore, NY/Holy Trinity HS Valley Stream, NY/Stony Brook Staten Island, NY/Xaverian Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell HS Franklin Square, NY/Valley Stream North HS Shirley, NY/Longwood HS Bethpage, NY/Nassau Community Omaha, NE/Omaha Central HS Atlantic Beach, NY/Kellenberg HS East Rockaway, NY/East Rockaway HS Franklin Square, NY/Holy Trinity HS Baldwin, NY/Baldwin HS Howard Beach, NY/Archbishop Molloy HS Bayside, NY/St. Francis Prep Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic HS Seaford, NY/Seaford HS Bethpage, NY/St. Dominic HS New York, NY/Xaverian HS Island Park, NY/Holy Trinity HS Massapequa, NY/St. Joseph's Baldwin, NY/Kellenberg HS West Islip, NY/West Islip HS West Hempstead, NY./West Hempstead HS East Meadow, NY/East Meadow HS

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Joe Fucarino Assistant Coach - Freddy Zamojcin Assistant Coach - Mike Callahan Assistant Coach - A.J. DiMichele Assistant Coach - Peter Weinbaum

INSIDE LOOK: MOLLOY COLLEGE

NO 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 33 35 44 45

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

MOLLOY COLLEGE 2010 ROSTER

MOLLOY COLLEGE 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.athletics.molloy.edu. Molloy College â&#x20AC;˘ Rockville Centre, NY March 6 S. New Hampshire (DH) 12:00 PM March 7 New Haven (DH) 12:00 PM March 10 Dominican 3:00 PM March 23 Bridgeport* 6:00 PM March 28 Bridgeport* 1:00 PM March 31 Queens* 6:00 PM April 5 Queens* 6:00 PM

April 6 April 10 April 16 April 17 April 20 April 30 May 1

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event Mercy* 6:00 PM Mercy (DH)* 12:00 PM Dowling* 3:30 PM Dowling (DH)* 12:00 PM St. Thomas Aquinas* 6:00 PM C.W. Post* 3:30 PM C.W. Post (DH)* 4:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BEARS

BRIAN SMITH

ANDREW GUARRASI

excellent speed and is a constant stolen base threat. Defensively, he is adapting well to shortstop after being moved there in the middle of last season. Rounding out the infield at first base is Chris Dienna and at second base, Ryan Campbell. Steve McNamara looked excellent this fall and may fit in nicely as the extra infielder or could earn a starting spot as the year progresses. In the outfield, there are plenty of players, but the real question is who will be a starter. Early in the season the only mainstay will be center fielder Jerry Smith, who will return to the starting lineup after being out all last spring with a broken ankle. The other choices in the outfield are Eric Cos, Dan Lackner, Dane Hardy and Sebastian Grazziani. The corner positions are up for grabs, so look for a rotation in the outfield early in the season until things get settled. “The lefty/righty combinations might bode well for us early in the season.” Behind the plate will be Greg Gilroy who will take over the full time duty behind the plate due to the loss of fellow senior George Carroll (DL for 2010). Transfer Vin Caposio will be a more than capable to relieve Gilroy on a daily basis. No matter who scores what position, look for a great 2010 season from the Bears. NYIT will start their 2010 season on February 26 vs. Georgetown University in Washington, D.C

32 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

NYIT Photography by Brian Ballweg

2010 will mark NYIT’s 28th season in the NCAA Division I competition and its first season in the Great West Conference. Bob Hirschfield, head coach since 1982, is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. “We have some talented players on this year’s roster; they’re all eager to get to the conference championship.” As usual, the Bears face a difficult schedule, but are certainly up for the challenge. The Bears return seven players to their lineup and ten pitchers, so they do have the experience to contend in their first year in the Great West. Captain and left hand pitcher, Andrew Guarrasi anchors this veteran staff. Andrew “really came on last year to prove that he is one of the more talented pitchers in the Northeast.” Guarrasi came off a strong summer performance in the New England Collegiate League to help his increase his reputation in the Northeast. Next in the rotation will be Preston Wasmund and right hand pitcher Frank Ryan. After both being placed on the DL in 2009, look for these two to be ready to go this spring. The bull pen will be anchored by two sidearm specialists, Mike Roth and Jon Costa. The top newcomer on the mound is Tom Cardona who looked very impressive during the fall workouts. From an offensive and defensive standpoint, the Bears’ have two key veterans returning to the lineup, third baseman Effrey Valdez and shortstop Brian Smith. Valdez is a real offensive threat and as “tough an out as there is in the Northeast.” Smith is the table setter in the lead off position in the Bears’ lineup. He not only has the ability to consistently get on base, but he possesses

NAME Dane Hardy Effrey Valdez Tom Cardona Eric Cos Ryan Campbell Brian Smith Jerry Smith Robert Loftus Steve McNamara Steve Faulkner Sebastian Grazziani Ali Rodriguez Mike Roth Steve Cotov Christian Dienna Greg Gilroy Vin Caposio Preston Wasmund Anthony Puma Jon Costa Greg Sinacori Louie Bernardi Michael Fermin Dan Lackner Bobby Magnuson Frank Ryan Andrew Guarassi Brennen Forster Matthew Carr Jose Checo Jason Chin

YR FR JR FR JR SO SR JR FR SO SR SO FR SR FR SR SR JR JR FR JR FR SR SO FR FR SR SR FR SO FR RFR

POS Outfield Infield Pitcher/1B Outfield Infield Infield Outfield Outfield Infield Pitcher Infield Infield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Catcher Catcher/1B/OF Pitcher Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Pitcher

HT 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-1 5-8 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-6 6-2 6-3 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-8 5-10

HOMETOWN Willingboro, NJ Flushing, NY Bronx, NY Coral Gables, FL Bellmore, NY Nesconset, NY Nesconset, NY Massapequa, NY Levittown, NY Bayshore, NY Whitestone, NY Yorktown, VA Rockville Centre, NY Ozone Park, NY Old Bethpage, NY Nesconset, NY Long Island City, NY Ajax, Ontario, Canada Hicksville, NY Flushing, NY Wantagh, NY New Hyde Park, NY Astoria, NY New Hyde Park, NY Glen Head, NY Lindenhurst, NY Long Island City, NY Dix Hills, NY Westbury, NY Rockville Centre, NY Baldwin, NY

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Bob Hirschfield Assistant Coaches - Mike Caulfield, Ron Mckay and Jamie Loeb

NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.nyit.edu/athletics. New York Institute of Technology • Old Westbury, NY March 11 Albany 3:00 PM March 12 Albany (DH) 12:00 PM March 13 Albany 1:00 PM March 20 Siena (DH) 12:00 PM March 21 Siena 1:00 PM March 23 Iona 3:00 PM March 28 Yale 1:00 PM April 7 Fordham 3:00 PM April 9 Chicago State* 3:00 PM April 10 Chicago State (DH)* 12:00 PM April 11 Chicago State* 1:00 PM April 13 Long Island University 3:30 PM

April 16 April 17 April 18 April 20 April 27 April 28 April 30 May 1 May 5 May 7 May 8 May 9

(DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event Houston Baptist* 3:00 PM Houston Baptist (DH)* 12:00PM Houston Baptist* 1:00 PM Seton Hall 3:30 PM St. John’s 3:30 PM Hofstra 3:30 PM NJIT* 3:30 PM NJIT (DH)* 12:00 PM Army 3:30 PM Utah Valley St.* 3:00 PM Utah Valley St. (DH)* 1:00 PM Utah Valley St.* 1:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

INSIDE LOOK: NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

NO 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 39 42 44 45 -

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2010 ROSTER

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S UNIVERSITY RED STORM

GREG HOPKINS

JIMMY PARQUE

selection Jimmy Parque (.360, 17 2B, 61 RBI) and second team NCBWA Freshman All-American oe Panik (.332, 11 2B, 47 RBI). Two-time All-BIG EAST selection Paul Karmas (.331, 16 2B, 31 RBI), Greg Hopkins (.349, 7 HR, 45) and Matt Wessinger (.347, 15 2B, 31 RBI) round out the offensive returnees. The staff also returns nine arms from a year ago, including four pitchers that logged at least 49.2 innings. Righties Nick Cenatiempo (5.17 ERA), Bruce Kern (57 strikeouts, one complete game) and Eddie Medina (3.81 ERA) each finished the season with five wins, while lefties Kevin Kilpatrick (42 strikeouts, two saves) and Brendan Lobban (30 strikeouts) combined for seven wins. Ryan Cole (20, 3.49 ERA) anchors the bullpen and had a teambest five saves a year ago. St. John's has once again put together a difficult schedule, which includes contests against four teams that qualified for the 2009 NCAA Tournament. Among the squad's non-conference opponents are Michigan, North Carolina and Boston College, while the 27-game BIG EAST slate includes three-game sets against Notre Dame and Louisville on the road and USF at home.

34 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Photography by Vinny Dusovic

After making its 10th-straight BIG EAST Tournament appearance, the St. John's baseball team will look to continue its run of success in 2010 with head coach Ed Blankmeyer at the helm. In 14 seasons at St. John's, the four-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year and four-time ABCA Northeast Region Coach of the Year has compiled a 470-285-3 record. The Red Storm returns 17 letterwinners from a 2009 squad that set new school records in batting average (.349), runs (473), RBI (440) and doubles (149), and finished the season 30-22 (1611 BIG EAST). The squad welcomes a 14-man recruiting class that was nationally-recognized by Baseball America. Among this year's group of newcomers are four 2009 MLB draft picks in pitchers Matt Carasiti (36th round) and Kyle Hansen (40th round), and outfielders Jimmy Brennan (45th round) and Jeremy Baltz (45th round). Offensively, the Red Storm should be powerful once again this season. Despite losing third team All-American Tim Morris (.415, 12 HR, 62 RBI) and two-time All-BIG EAST selection Brian Kemp (.379, 68 runs, 16 stolen bases), St. John's returns five starters that batted .321 or better. Among the top returnees are ABCA AllNortheast Region

NAME Matt Wessinger Joe Panik Sean O’Hare Jimmy Parque Tim McCormick Bruce Kern Miguel Valcarcel Joe Witkowski Ryan Cole Greg Hopkins Eddie Medina Josh Daniel Matt Carasiti Scott Ferrara Steve Forster Pat Talbut Jeremy Baltz Sterling Frand Stephen Rivera Kevin Grove Jimmy Brennan Cameron Black Mike Lonsdale Kevin Needham Robert Case Sean Hagan Paul Karmas Anthony Cervone Jose Rodriguez Brendan Lobban John Schilt Daniel Burawa Kyle Hansen Nick Cenatiempo Kevin Kilpatrick

YR SO SO FR SR RFR SR SR SR SR JR SO JR FR JR SR FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR JR FR JR SO FR JR FR SR SO

POS 2B/SS SS/3B Infield Outfield Outfield Pitcher Pitcher/Infield Catcher Pitcher 3B Pitcher Catcher Pitcher Outfield Pitcher Infield Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Outfield Pitcher Catcher Pitcher/1B Catcher Pitcher 1B/Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher

HT 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-3 5-11 6-7 6-1 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-7 6-4 6-2

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Ed Blankmeyer Assistant Coaches - Mike Hampton and Scott Brown

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Liverpool, NY/Liverpool HS Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay HS Morristown, NJ/Seton Hall Prep Pacifica, CA/Skyline JC Fairfax, VA/Paul VI Catholic HS Yaphank, NY/Suffolk County CC Carolina, Puerto Rico/Perkiomen School HS Middletown, CT/Xavier HS North Syracuse, NY/Cicero North Syracuse HS Mansfield, MA/Bishop Feehan HS Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic HS Lakewood, CO/Feather River College Berlin, CT/Berlin HS Farmingdale, NY/St. Anthony's HS Webster, NY/Monroe CC Vestal, NY/Vestal HS Vestal, NY/Vestal HS Magnolia, TX/Woodlands Christian HS Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell HS Manhattan Beach, CA/Loyola Airmont, NY/Suffern HS Conestoga, PA/Penn Manor HS Castro Valley, CA/Castro Valley HS Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial HS Miami, FL/South Dade HS Larchmont, NY/Mamaroneck HS Douglaston, NY/St. Francis Prep Beacon, NY/Beacon HS Bronx, NY/Mount St. Michael HS Ramsey, NJ/St. Joseph Regional HS Westbury, NY/W.T. Clarke HS Rocky Point, N.Y./Suffolk County CC. Glen Gove, NY/St. Dominic HS Manchester, NH/West HS College Point, NY/Holy Cross HS

INSIDE LOOK: ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

NO 0 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 44

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY 2010 ROSTER

Volunteer Assistant - Jeffrey Quiros

ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.redstormsports.com. St. John’s University • Queens, NY March 16 Fairfield March 19 Albany March 20 Albany March 21 Albany March 23 Columbia March 30 LIU April 1 Seton Hall (DH)* April 3 Seton Hall* April 9 West Virginia* April 10 West Virginia* April 11 West Virginia* April 14 Hofstra

3:00 PM 3:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM

April 20 April 21 April 23 April 24 April 25 April 28 May 4 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 11

(DH) Doubleheader Princeton Fordham Georgetown* Georgetown* Georgetown* FDU Iona USF* USF* USF* NYIT

*BIG EAST Event 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE GOLDEN EAGLES

MARK CISEK

MIKE GERDES

pitcher. St. Joseph’s will also rely on outfielder Mark Cisek (Sayville) and Chris Wright (Hicksville), a junior first baseman. St. Joseph's will also be counting on sophomore transfer Parteek Thamen out of Hauppague, New York. He's an impact player in the outfield, first base and at the plate. The talent at shortstop is deep, so the position will be split between two sophomores, James Carey (St. John the Baptist) and Dennis Nover (St. Francis Prep). On the mound for the Eagles will be Ryan Scarsbeck (Massapequa), a freshman pitcher and senior Frank Tucker. They both have experience playing in big games and handling pressure, but one of Tuckers biggest wins was over Kean State, the Division III champions in 2008. The Eagles have impressed their fans with offensive records, but most impressive may be that the last two seasons they have hit over .330 each year. They know that this is a record they want to stay in possession of. If this record is going to be broken, the Golden Eagles plan on breaking it themselves. The upcoming season brings many challenges as their schedule includes 10 teams that made the regional world series in 2009. The Eagles are very aware of the challenges in the upcoming season, but with a great crop of freshman ball players and a healthy pitching staff, this team is ready to play ball. St. Joseph’s first home game is March 6 vs. Stevens Tech at the Gregg Alfano Field in Patchogue, New York.

36 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

St. Joseph's College Photography by Thomas Finn

The Eagles of St. Joseph’s have set their goals high for the 2010 season. In 2009, the Eagles finished 115, just two games behind Farmingdale State and SUNY Old Westbury and they don’t plan on that happening again. With an 81-29 record, the Eagles have recorded the highest winning percentage in the conference over the past six years. That’s a great statistic, but for the players on the team it isn’t enough. Although the Eagles graduated valuable talent last year, this years roster appears to have the ability to vie for the Conference title. This years club will be lead by All-American second baseman Mike Gerdes (Wantagh), Ryan Caroll (Patchogue) and Jeff Coyle (Mastic), the latter two named to the Third Team ABCA/Rawlings All New York Region Teams and Frank DiPresso, a solid defense man at third base. Also returning are All Conference Players Joe Benkert (Lindenhurst) junior pitcher, Ron Eichhorn (Sayville) senior pitcher, Jason Dierkes (Mt. Sinai), sophomore

NAME Frank Tucker Jeff Coyle James Carey Mike Copobianco Brian Harrigan Tim Caden Jake Brown Ron Eichhorn Charles Zilnicki Jason Dierkes Seth Pileggi Frank DiPresso John Okerblum Jon Imbriani Kenny Williams Ryan Carroll Paul Marino Anthony Delvry Mike Gerdes John Harrison-Acosta Parteek Thamen Ryan Scarsbrick Mark Cisek Andrew Draghi Nick Rizzo Joe Benkert Vincent Reda Bobby Hommel Curt Egloff Dennis Nover Dave Sommo Joe Reinhardt Justin Maravegins Chris Wright

YR SR SR SO FR FR SO FR SR JR SO SO JR SR SO FR SR JR JR SR JR SO FR SR SO JR JR FR FR FR SO JR SO JR JR

POS Pitcher Infield Infield Outfield Outfield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher 2B Pitcher Infield 3B Pitcher Catcher Outfield Outfield Catcher Outfield 2B Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Outfield 3B Pitcher Pitcher Catcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher 1B

HT 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-4 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-6 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-8 6-1 6-0 5-5 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-3

HOMETOWN/High School Shirley, NY/William Floyd HS Mastic Beach, NY/Upper Room HS Patchogue, NY/St. John the Baptist HS Northport, NY/Northport HS West Babylon, NY/St. John the Baptist HS Setauket, NY/Ward Melville HS Bayport, NY/Bayport HS Sayville, NY/Chaminade HS Riverhead, NY /Riverhead HS Mt Sinai, NY/Mt Sinai HS Smithtown, NY/Smithown Christian HS Medford, NY/Patchogue/Medford HS Oakdale, NY/Upper Room HS Miller Place, NY/Miller Place HS Centereach, NY/Centereach HS Patchogue, NY/Patchogue/Medford HS Centereach, NY/Centereach HS East Rockaway, NY/Easy Rockaway HS Wantagh, NY/MacArthur HS West Hempstead, NY/St. Mary's HS Hauppauge NY/Hauppauge HS Massapequa, NY/Massapequa HS Sayville, NY/Sayville HS Center Moriches, NY/William Floyd HS Farmingdale, NY/Farmingdale HS Lindenhurst, NY/Lindenhurst HS Middle Village, NY/St Francis Prep Bohemia, NY/Connetquot HS Middle Island, NY/Longwood HS Fresh Meadows, NY/St Francis Prep Kings Park, NY/Kings Park HS Wantagh, NY/MacArthur HS Ronkonkoma, NY/Connetquot HS Hicksville, NY/Holy Trinity HS

INSIDE LOOK: ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

NO 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41 43 44 45

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE 2010 ROSTER

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Randy Caden Assistant Coaches - Sal Alfano, Sean Kammerer, Mike McCabe and John Fennessy

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.sjcny.edu. St. Joseph’s College • Brooklyn, NY (DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event

JEFF COYLE

March 6 March 7 March 20 March 21 March 27 April 8 April 18 April 20 April 24

Stevens Tech (DH) Western New England (DH) Mt. St. Mary's College (DH) St. Joseph's Maine (DH) Plattsburgh State (DH) Baruch Purchase (DH) Ramapo Mt. St. Vincent (DH)

12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 12:00 PM

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY SEAWOLVES

NICK TROPEANO

freshmen Vinny Cesear and John Ardonetto will all compete for time. Veterans Robert Dyer and Mike Stephan will both see time at first base and DH. Stephen Marino, a junior from nearby Selden, will man the hot corner for the Seawolves. Despite some inexperience at some positions, the Seawolves will have plenty of veteran leadership from their catching corps. Senior Justin Ecchevaria returns from an injury for his final season with the Seawolves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Echâ&#x20AC;? is an outstanding defender and will help shut down the running game. West Islip product Patrick Cantwell will also see time behind the dish, as well as the outfield. On the bench, Coach Senk has added some new faces to his coaching staff. Coach Mike Marron is the new pitching coach. Marron, a product of Holy Cross, has coached at UMassLowell, as well as spending a summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League. Coach Jordan Wyckoff joined the Seawolves staff in the fall as the new volunteer assistant. Wyckoff, who grew up in Miller Place, played his college ball at Dickinson College. He has coaching experience in both the Alaska and Cape Cod League. Coach Joe Pennuci, one of the most respected assistants in the region, returns for his fourth season. The Seawolves begin their 2010 season against UNC-Wilmington on March 6.

38 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Stony Brook University Photography by Bob O'Rourk

Stony Brook University is looking forward to the opportunity to bring an America East Championship back to Long Island. Entering his 20th season, Coach Matt Senk returns a solid mix of veteran leaders as well as a new crop of talented freshmen. The Seawolves made an appearance in the America East Tournament in 2009 and look to not only return to the playoffs, but also bring home the hardware. Success for Stony Brook will start on the mound. Nick Tropeano is fresh off a great summer in the Hamptons League and will look to be the ace of the staff. Tyler Johnson is a promising righty who experienced summer success in the land of the midnight sun. He was a key part of the pitching staff that brought an Alaska League Title to the Mat-Su Miners. Jordan Purrington, Chris Maier, Mike Barbot, and Anthony Luciano will help bolster the staff with a veteran presence. Several newcomers will see significant time on the hill at University Field. Among these freshmen include local products Willy Carmona, Thor Miller and Adam Brown. James Campbell, Jasvir Raakar, G.C. Yerry and Patrick O'Leary will be expected to contribute on the mound. Two freshmen are expected to see significant time in the outfield for the Seawolves in 2010. Travis Jankowski, a freshman from Lancaster, PA, is hoping to show off the athleticism that earned him all-state accolades in both football and baseball. A player who hails from North of the Border, Tanner Nivins displayed good power in his swing in the fall. Sophomore Sal Intagliata is another promising athlete who will see his name in the lineup. ROBERT DYER In the infield, Junior Chad Marshall, another Canadian import, will help solidify the shortstop position. At second base, Maxx Tissenbaum, a Blue Jays draft pick, and fellow

NAME Robert Dyer Chad Marshall Pat Cantwell Sal Intagliata William Carmona Travis Jankowski Justin Echevarria John Adornetto Anthony Luciano Evan Stecko-Haley Vincent Caesar Michael Barbot Thor Miller Jordan Purington Chris Maier Stephen Marino Tanner Nivins Nick Tropeano Patrick O’Leary Michael Stephan Maxx Tissenbaum Adam Brown G.C. Yerry Jasvir Rakkar James Campbell Tyler Johnson

YR SR JR SO SO FR FR SR FR FR JR FR SR FR SR SR JR FR SO FR SR FR FR FR FR FR SO

POS Infield Infield Catcher/Outfield Outfield Infield/Pitcher Outfield Catcher Infield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield/Pitcher Infield Outfield Pitcher/Infield Outfield/Pitcher Infield/DH Infield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher

HT 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-5 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Selden, NY/Newfield HS Paris, Ontario/Canada/Paris District West Islip, NY/West Islip HS Franklin Square, NY/H. Frank Carey HS Hempstead, NY/Hempstead Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Catholic Uniondale, NY/Uniondale HS Commack, NY/Commack Holtsville, NY/Sachem East Coral Springs, FL/Coral Glades HS Massapequa, NY/Massapequa Bronx, NY/Seminole CC/Mt. St. Michael Academy Miller Place, NY/Miller Place Westbrook, ME/Westbrook HS Farmingdale, NY/Farmingdale HS Lake Grove, NY/Centereach HS Kitchener, Ontario/St. Mary’s West Islip, NY/West Islip HS Sparta, NJ/Sparta Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford HS Toronto, Ontario/York Mills Collegiate Melville, NY/Half Hollow Hills East West Shokan, NY/Onteora Brampton, Ontario/Bramalea Secondary School Bridgeport, CT/St. Joseph Chatsworth, CA/Crespi Carmelite HS

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - Matt Senk Assistant Coach - Joe Pennucci Assistant Coach - Mike Marron Assistant Coach - Jordan Wykckoff

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE

INSIDE LOOK: STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 14 15 16 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 32 33 34 41 44

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY 2010 ROSTER

For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.goseawolves.cstv.com. Stony Brook University • Stony Brook, NY (DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event March 17 April 17 April 18 April 21 April 28 May 15 May 16 May 21 May 22

Iona UMBC (DH)* UMBC* Hofstra Fairfield Hartford (DH)* Hartford (DH)* Binghamton (DH)* Binghamton*

3:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM

MICHAEL STEPHAN

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

SUNY COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY PANTHERS

DAN FORDYCE

record with a 2.91 ERA including one complete game shutout. Jorge Hiraldo was the closer last year. He made a team-high 19 appearances, putting in 24 innings of work on the bump. Hiraldo shutdown the opposing batters, handcuffing them to a .190 batting average. Hiraldo had five saves and a 2-0 record with a 2.25 ERA. Offensively, Old Westbury will be led by senior shortstop/third basemen Albert Bevacqua. Bevacqua comes off a season where he was named Third Team ABCA All-Region and Second Team All-Skyline Conference. Bevacqua totaled 33 RBI, while hitting .395 with 12 doubles, five homers and nabbed 21 stolen bases. Third basemen Ryan Blanco achieved First Team All-Skyline Conference laurels. Blanco hit .353 at the plate with 12 doubles, 33 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 37 games. Emmanuel Mateo will patrol the outfield, he enters the season with a career .306 average with 21 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 51 RBI and 41 stolen bases in 262 at bats. When Old Westbury takes the field for the first time in 2010 on February 27 at Frostburg State in Western Maryland, they will begin a tough campaign. But the 2010 squad is ready to make history and take it to the 35th annual Division III Baseball Championship at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin. SUNY Old Westburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first home game is March 23 vs. Baruch College (NYC).

40 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

SUNY College at Old Westbury Photography by Harris Rappel

The Panthers will open the 2010 season after ending 2009 with a program record 27 wins. Head coach John Lonardo, the 2009 Skyline Conference Coach of the Year, has assembled an impressive cast of talent for the 2010 roster and believes that it is within the realm of possibility that the Panthers are ready for the post season. While the Panthers will have to deal with the departure of six seniors from its 2009 club, Old Westbury will welcome back 16 lettermen. Lonardo is relying on his group of upperclassmen, along with a group of underclassmen who played key roles on the 2009 club, to mesh with and guide a talented crew of newcomers. After ranking fourth in both stolen bases (139) and stolen bases per game (3.48), Old Westbury will look to be a premier offensive club again this year. Last season they scored 7.3 runs per game, clubbing 20 triples, ranking them 24th in the nation and 29th in triples per game (0.5). Old Westbury was also dominant on the mound last season, ranking 14th in hits allowed per nine innings (8.86) and 25th in strikeouts per nine innings (8.0). One thing appears certain for the Panthers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a deep and talented pitching staff. Anchoring the Old Westbury staff is Dan Fordyce, a Second Team All-Skyline Conference selection. He went 5-0 with a 3.17 ERA in nine games (eight starts) a year ago posting two shutouts and three complete games in 48.1 innings of work. Fordyce sat down 38 batters on strikes and walked 11 while holding the opposition to a .237 batting average. Following him in the rotation is Robert Hugli, the clubs top returning winner ALBERT BEVACQUA after going 6-4 in 40.1 innings on the hill. Pitching Coach Rod Stephan has a bevy of talented hurlers in the mix for a rotation slot, as well. Joshua Burgos made three starts, registering a 2-1

NAME Tom Benedetto Albert Bevacqua Ryan Blanco Kevin Briffa Joshua Burgos Nestor Bussi William Campbell Irving Collado Frank DiMaria Michael Duran Anthony Fernandez Alcides Ferreiras Dan Fordyce David Gerena Abelisario Guerrero Steven Henriquez Andrew Hevia Jorge Hiraldo James Huber Robert Hugli Ryan Jarvis Giovanni Jimenez Jason Kondra Fernando Lopez Edgar Marcelo Emmanuel Mateo Robert Moschetto Ronald Petito Ranser Reyes Marvin Rosario Addy Rozier Andrew Salomon Joel Santos Josef Schaetzle Kyle Schwarz Melvin Simmons Robert Tesseyman Euris Turbi Alexander Villanueva Malik Wylie

YR SR SR JR FR JR SO SR FR FR FR JR JR SR JR FR JR SO JR SO SR SO JR JR JR SO JR SR SO FR JR SO FR FR JR FR JR JR FR SO FR

POS Infield Infield Infield Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Utility Infield Pitcher Pitcher Infield Outfield Pitcher Infield Pitcher Catcher Catcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Outfield Outfield Infield/Outfield Catcher Outfield Outfield Infield Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher Infield Pitcher Infield Infield Pitcher Infield Pitcher Outfield

COACHING STAFF Head Coach - John Lonardo

HT 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-5 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-3 5-8 5-9 6-2 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-0

HOMETOWN/High School/Last College Wantagh, NY/Wantagh Staten Island, NY/New Dorp Ozone Park, NY/Msgr. McClancey Astoria, NY/Msgr. McClancey New York, NY/LaSalle Academy Brooklyn, NY/Grand Street Campus New Hyde Park, NY/New Hyde Park Memorial Copiague, NY/Copiague Ozone Park, NY/Msgr. McClancey Brooklyn, NY/Benjamin Banneker Bethpage, NY/Plainedge Bronx, NY/Alfred E. Smith Brentwood, NY/Brentwood Central Islip, NY/Central Islip Bronx, NY/James Monroe North Babylon, NY/North Babylon Brooklyn, NY/Bishop Ford Brooklyn, NY/Bushwick North Babylon, NY/North Babylon New Hyde Park, NY/New Hyde Park Memorial Cape Coral, FL/North Fort Myers Brentwood, NY/Brentwood East Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse Minoa Bronx, NY/James Monroe Bronx, NY/Mount Saint Michael Academy Brooklyn, NY/Benjamin Banneker Massapequa, NY/Division Avenue Cape Coral, FL/North Fort Myers Bronx, NY/James Monroe Lynbrook, NY/Malverne Fort Myers, FL/South Fort Myers Queens Village, NY/St. Mary’s Brooklyn, NY/Benjamin Banneker Merrick, NY/Chaminade Goshen, NY/Goshen Bronx, NY/Aldred E. Smith Middle Village, NY/Christ the King Brooklyn, NY/HS of Telecommunications Art & Tech. Brooklyn, NY/Grand Street Campus Bronx, NY/Mount Saint Michael Academy

INSIDE LOOK: SUNY COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY

NO -

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

SUNY COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY 2010 ROSTER

Assistant Coaches - Rod Stephan, Chris Smith and Winter Adames

SUNY COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY 2010 HOME SCHEDULE For the full 2010 schedule and more information. Please visit www.oldwestburypanthers.com. SUNY College at Old Westbury • Old Westbury, NY Alternate Home Site: (BH) Baseball Heaven (Yaphank, NY) • (KP) Keyspan Park (Brooklyn, NY) March 5 Cortland State (BH) 3:30 PM April 14 John Jay (KP) 3:30 PM March 6 ECONN (BH) 2:00 PM April 17 St. Joseph’s LI (DH)* 12:00 PM March 7 Southern Maine (BH) 11:00 AM April 20 Staten Island 6:00 PM March 23 Baruch 4:00 PM April 21 USMM Academy 7:00 PM March 24 Yeshiva (DH)* 3:00 PM April 22 New Paltz 6:00 PM March 27 Mount Saint Vincent (DH)* 12:00 PM April 23 Old Westbury Alumni Game 7:00 PM April 3 Plattsburgh State (DH) 12:00 PM April 24 St. Joseph’s Brooklyn (DH) 12:00 PM April 8 Oneonta State 4:00 PM April 25 Stevens 12:00 PM April 11 Mount Saint Mary (DH)* 12:00 PM (DH) Doubleheader *Conference Event

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

NEW YORK CUNYS, SUNYS, COLLEGES SUNY COLLEGES ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY www.ualbanysports.com ALFRED STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE www.alfredstate.edu/athletics/pioneer-athletics BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY www2.binghamton.edu/athletics BROCKPORT COLLEGE www.brockport.edu/athletics BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY www.ubathletics.buffalo.edu CANTON STATE UNIVERSITY www.rooathletics.com COBLESKILL STATE UNIVERSITY www2.cobleskill.edu/athletics COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY www.oldwestburypanthers.com CORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY www.cortlandreddragons.com DELHI UNIVERSITY www.delhi.edu/athletics FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE www.farmingdalesports.com FREDONIA STATE UNIVERSITY www.fredonia.edu/athletics GENESEO STATE UNIVERSITY www.geneseo.edu/athletics MARITIME COLLEGE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK www.maritimeathletics.com NEW PALTZ STATE UNIVERSITY www.athletics.newpaltz.edu ONEONTA STATE UNIVERSITY www.oneonta.edu/academics/athletics OSWEGO STATE UNIVERSITY www.oswego.edu/athletics/index.html PLATTSBURGH STATE UNIVERSITY www.plattsburgh.edu/athletics PURCHASE STATE UNIVERSITY www.purchase.edu/Departments/PhysicalEducation STONY BROOK STATE UNIVERSITY www.goseawolves.cstv.com

GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.genesee.edu/athletics HERKIMER COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.herkimergenerals.com HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.hvcc.edu/athletics JEFFERSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunyjefferson.edu/Athletics/index.html MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.mvcc.edu/students/athletics MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.monroecc.edu/depts/athletics NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.niagaracc.suny.edu/studentlife/athletics ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunyorange.edu/athletics ROCKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunyrockland.edu/prospective-students/athletics SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunysccc.edu/student/athletics.htm SULLIVAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sullivan.suny.edu/athletics TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.tc3.edu/panthers ULSTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunyulster.edu WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunywcc.edu

CUNY COLLEGES BARUCH COLLEGE www.athletics.baruch.cuny.edu BROOKLYN COLLEGE www.brooklyn.cuny.edu CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK www.ccnyathletics.com JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE www.johnjayathletics.com LEHMAN COLLEGE www.lehmanathletics.com QUEENS COLLEGE www.athletics.qc.cuny.edu

SUNY COMMUNITY COLLEGES

CUNY COMMUNITY COLLEGES

CORNING COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.corning-cc.edu DUTCHESS COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.sunydutchess.edu/studentlife/athletics ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.ecc.edu/athletics/varsitysports.asp FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.athletics.flcc.edu/baseball

BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.bmcc.cuny.edu/athletics KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.kbcc.cuny.edu/athletics BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.bcc.cuny.edu/athletics QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.qcc.cuny.edu/Sports

42 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

UPSTATE COLLEGES

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE www.stacathletics.com SIENA COLLEGE www.sienasaints.cstv.com SKIDMORE COLLEGE www.skidmoreathletics.com SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY www.suathletics.com UNION COLLEGE www.unionathletics.com UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY WEST POINT www.usma.edu/athletics.asp UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER www.rochester.edu/athletics VASSAR COLLEGE www.vassarathletics.com

NEW YORK CITY/LONG ISLAND ADELPHI UNIVERSITY www.aupanthers.com BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE www.bcl.edu COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY www.gocolumbialions.com C.W. POST-LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY www.cwpostpioneers.com DOWLING COLLEGE www.dowlingathletics.com FORDHAM UNIVERSITY www.fordhamsports.com HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY www.gohofstra.com LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY www.brooklyn.liu.edu/athletics MANHATTAN COLLEGE www.gojaspers.com MOLLOY COLLEGE www.athletics.molloy.edu NASSAU COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.ncc.edu/StudentLife/Athletics NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY www.nyit.edu/athletics ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY www.stjohns.edu/athletics ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE www.sjcny.edu SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE www3.sunysuffolk.edu/StudentLife US MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY www.usmmasports.com WAGNER COLLEGE www.wagnerathletics.com YESHIVA UNIVERSITY www.yumacs.com WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

NEW YORK CUNYS, SUNYS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES BASEBALL INDEX

ALFRED UNIVERSITY www.saxons.alfred.edu BARD COLLEGE www.bard.edu/athletics CANISIUS COLLEGE www.gogriffs.com CAZENOVIA COLLEGE www.cazenovia.edu/athletics CLARKSON UNIVERSITY www.clarkson.edu/campus_life/athletics COLGATE UNIVERSITY www.colgate.edu COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. VINCENT www.mountsaintvincent.edu COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE www.gogoldenknights.com CONCORDIA COLLEGE www.concordiaclippers.com CORNELL UNIVERSITY www.cornellbigred.com HAMILTON COLLEGE www.hamilton.edu/athletics HARTWICK COLLEGE www.hartwick.edu HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGE www.hwsathletics.com IONA COLLEGE www.icgaels.com ITHACA COLLEGE www.ithaca.edu/athletics LE MOYNE COLLEGE www.lemoyne.edu MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE www.govaliants.com MARIST COLLEGE www.marist.edu/athletics MERCY COLLEGE www.mercyathletics.com NAZARETH COLLEGE www.nazathletics.com NIAGRA UNIVERSITY www.purpleeagles.com PACE UNIVERSITY www.pacesettersathletics.com RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE www.rpi.edu/student_life/athletics.html ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY www.ritathletics.com ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY www.sbu.edu/athletics ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE www.athletics.sjfc.edu ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY www.stlawu.edu/athletics/saints

BPM2010 COLLEGE PREVIEW

AND UNIVERSITIES BASEBALL INDEX

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

PLAY BALL The Long Island High School baseball season is a favorite of many, and BPM is expecting a 2010 season that will keep the players and fans on the edge of their seats. With so many talented teams, players and coaches it was hard to choose which schools to preview for the season, so BPM took the two teams from each division that played for their respective titles. We then turned to our very own Brandon Kurz to give us some insight into some of the teams he’s looking to follow this season. “I wish that BPM was able to preview every high school on Long Island, there is an enormous amount of talent here. It is impossibly hard to choose which teams to preview, so after tons of research and conversations with coaches and experts around the island, I have put together a few schools to take a deeper look at (BK’s 2010 Teams To Watch). I don’t stand alone when I say that I am really looking forward to following the season and seeing what each team can do!” -Brandon Kurz

Island Trees’ Bryan Verbitsky. Winner of the 2009 Diamond Award as the top position player in all of Nassau County. He was also named 1st Team All State and All County.

Photography by Troy Verbitsky

44 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

CONFERENCE AA-3

Bethpage High School Clarke High School Division High School Garden City High School Island Trees High School Wantagh High School

Elmont High School Freeport High School Great Neck South High School Hempstead High School Long Beach High School Port Washington High School Uniondale High School Valley Stream Central High School

CONFERENCE A-2

CONFERENCE BC

Glen Cove High School Lynbrook High School New Hyde Park High School North Shore High School Plainedge High School Valley Stream North High School

Carle Place High School Cold Spring Harbor High School East Rockaway High School Friends Academy High School Locust Valley High School Malverne High School Oyster Bay High School Wheatley High School

CONFERENCE A-1

CONFERENCE A-3 Hewlett High School Manhasset High School Mineola High School Seaford High School South Side High School Valley Stream South High School

CONFERENCE A-4 Floral Park High School Great Neck North High School Jericho High School Lawrence High School Roosevelt High School Roslyn High School Sewanhaka High School West Hempstead High School Westbury High School

CONFERENCE AA-1 Farmingdale High School Hicksville High School MacArthur High School Massapequa High School Oceanside High School Plainview JFK High School Syosset High School

CONFERENCE AA-2 Baldwin High School Bellmore JFK High School Calhoun High School Carey High School East Meadow High School Herricks High School Mepham High School

Riverhead High School Smithtown West High School West Babylon High School

LEAGUE V Comsewogue High School Eastport/South Manor High School Harborfields High School Hauppauge High School Huntington High School Islip High School Kings Park High School

LEAGUE VI

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Amityville High School East Hampton High School Miller Place High School Rocky Point High School Sayville High School Shoreham/Wading River High School Westhampton High School

LEAGUE I

LEAGUE VII

Brentwood High School Commack High School Longwood High School Patchogue/Medford High School Sachem East High School Ward Melville High School William Floyd High School

LEAGUE II Bay Shore High School Central Islip High School Connetquot High School Lindenhurst High School Northport High School Sachem North High School Walt Whitman High School

LEAGUE III Centereach High School East Islip High School Half Hallow Hills East High School Newfield High School North Babylon High School Smithtown East High School West Islip High School

LEAGUE IV Bellport High School Copaigue High School Deer Park High School Half Hallow Hills West High School

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU COUNTY*

Babylon High School Bayport/Blue Point High School Hampton Bays High School John Glenn High School Mattituck High School Mt. Sinai High School Southampton High School

LEAGUE VIII Center Moriches High School McGann-Mercy High School Pierson/Bridgehampton High School Port Jefferson High School Smithtown Christian High School Southold/Greenport High School Stony Brook High School

CATHOLIC LEAGUE Chaminade High School Holy Trinity High SChool Kellenberg Memorial High School St. Anthony’s High School St. Dominic High School St. John the Baptist High School St. Mary’s High School *The Nassau County Baseball Conferences have not yet been released for 2010, they will be released shortly. Please see new standings at www.baseballplayermagazine.com

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH BABYLON HIGH SCHOOL

2009 DOUBLE A CHAMPIONS This time of year the Massapequa faithful have a lot to look forward to because the Massapequa baseball team is almost ready to take the field. The team is led by seven year head coach (15th year at Massapequa) and Assistant coaches Chris Cafiero, Rob Cafiero, and Steve Castellani. Strong coaching has led to strong preparation. Whether they are hitting in the cages, conditioning for the season, or waking up for morning workouts (before school), the team is busy working towards defending their fourth championship in four years "The goal of our program is to build strong team values and give each player a chance to play past high school. We work towards improving our skills every day and we've built a positive atmosphere. However, it is also our hope for each of our individual players that they continue to play through college and hopefully beyond," said Coach Sheedy. The Massapequa team works out each morning before school. The team is committed to winning as shown by their recent history. With three returning starting players and talented returning players, the Massapequa team is stacked with talent as always. The Massapequa team is returning three starters from last year's championship team including 2009 All State Pitcher Joe Lipari, All League first baseman Rob Veltre, and speedy leadoff hitter/centerfielder Mark Pagano. The rest of the team will make the difference as to whether or not the Massapequa team will take home a 5th Championship in a row. Last year, the Massapequa team won the Long Island Championship beating North Babylon by a score of 8-3. This year the Massapequa boys are hard at work in an effort to match their 2009 campaign.

2009 DOUBLE A RUNNER UP The 2010 season will be one of change for the North Babylon High School Baseball Team. The defending Suffolk County Class AA (Large School) Champions graduated all nine of their starters and their top reserves off the bench. The top six pitchers all went the way of graduation as well. The Bulldogs are undaunted by this and have already begun preparations for the upcoming season. Head Coach Jim Mango and Assistant Coach Bill Munro are counting on a small group of returning seniors and a young, but talented group of underclassmen. Multiple players will be competing for starting jobs at each position. Some positions will have up to five players competing for the same starting job. Returning Seniors hoping to crack the starting line-up or the pitching rotation for the Bulldogs include Ryan Belanger (P-IF), Nick DeMarchis (P-OF), Nick Forde (P), and Andrew Wroblewski (C-DH). How the underclassmen perform, however, will be the key to the season for the Bulldogs. The underclassmen are lead by juniors, Mike Lyon (PIF), Mike Manning (P-IF), Luke Noone (P-OF), Anthony Caruso (1B-DH), Nick Domnisch (C), and Nate Trashansky (OF-DH). Sophomores Kevin Boyle and Greg Carrick will also push for one of the open starting positions. The Bulldogs have been to the playoffs for a school record of six seasons. They have 92 wins that they have accumulated in that time period, highlighted by the League IV Championship in 2006 and the school's

CONFERENCE AA-1

LEAGUE IV

BK’SPLAYERS TO WATCH

Jake Robinson Oyster Bay, H.S.

“BK’s Players to Watch” is a list of some of the talent on Long Island and New York City, put together by BPM’s very own Brandon Kurz. These guys are hard nosed players, who work to hone their skills and develop themselves as athletes. They know what it takes to win and put forth an enormous amount of effort. They all exude talent, determination and incredible skill. These players are all expected to excel and be a driving force on and off the field. Let’s see where 2010 takes them.

46 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

CONFERENCE A-1

2009 CLASS A CHAMPIONS The Clarke H.S. Rams are looking to add to their rich tradition and defend their Long Island Championship title. Clarke's legendary coach, Tom Abruscotto, fully expects to be in the thick of things within his conference and within the county. With five returning starters and 11 returning players from last year's varsity team, the Rams are primed and ready to repeat last year's success. Clarke returns three senior outfielders. John Chodkowski will patrol centerfield, while Ryan Sloane & Tom Fusco will man right & left respectively. Hofstra bound Connor McCarthy returns to anchor a pitching staff that will also include senior lefty Sean Stewart. Sean missed A.J. DEMICHAEL Seaford High School, P/OF ALEC PAPPAS Syosset High School, IF ALEX FALCONI St. Mary'sHigh School, C ANDERSON MATEO Bishop Ford Central H.S., RF ANDREW ABREU Centereach High School, SS

ISLIP HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE V

2009 CLASS A RUNNER UP The Islip High School baseball program has a strong history under fabled head coach Fred Biangardi. He retired with over 500 wins and two former Carl Yastrzemski award winners, given to the best player in Suffolk County (Victor Nicotra and Tom Veryzer), but over the past three seasons the Islip Buccaneers have reached new heights. The Bucs have reached the Class A New York State Championship Game twice (winning the State Championship in 2007 and losing in the finals in 2008) and then winning their third consecutive Suffolk County Championship in 2009 before losing to Clarke High School in the Long Island Championship. They head into the 2010 season with high expectations once again and Head Coach Peter Blumenauer credits his player's hard work and dedication for the success of the program. One common staple Blumenauer cited for the success of the program has been excellent pitching during their run, with four alumni currently pitching in Division 1 programs and this years' team he feels is no different. Blumenauer credited pitching instructor Neal Heaton for a lot of the team's success on the

ANDREW MEGE MacArthur High School, P ANTHONY BRUNETTI Holy Trinity High School, 3B ANTHONY GATTO Smithtown West H.S., IF/P ANTHONY D'ANGELO Kellenberg High School, P ANTHONY EICHHORN St. Anthony's High School, P

INSIDE LOOK: NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

CLARKE HIGH SCHOOL

most of 2009 after suffering a knee injury that required surgery. The offense should be supplied by the returning outfield core as well as returning clean up hitter and first baseman John Radice. The Rams are working out diligently to defend their Long Island Championship throughout the winter months. It's coach Abruscotto's presence and expectations, that help lead Clarke to year in and year out success.

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

first ever County Baseball Championship in 2009. Two players from that 2009 group - Kyle Olsen (P-CF) and Kevin Primm (C) - were voted to the All New York State Baseball Team, 2nd and 3rd team, respectively. Although they got off to a slow start in 2009 (4-6), they won 15 of their last 16 games, including coming from behind in all five games of the Suffolk County Playoffs. The playoffs were highlighted by a (6-5) ten inning victory over Longwood High School, in which the Bulldogs came from behind twice, including a three run deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning. North Babylon eventually won the game and the first County Championship for the school when Kevin Primm drove in winning pitcher Anthony Repetto, with the game winning single. The 2009 season was a tribute to the hard work, sacrifice and discipline of a group of players with a tremendous desire to win. Although the 2009 players will be missed, the 2010 Bulldogs show great promise and want to continue their predecessor's success.

Continues to page 48 BILLY COLLINS East Hampton High School, C BILLY NELSON Walt Whitman High School, IF BOBBY GAZZOLA Longwood High School, IF BRANDON GARCIA Island Trees High School, P BRANDON KUVEL Pierson High School, P

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BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY Continued from page 47

mound and helping to instill an aggressive approach for each pitcher to take to the mound. This season's pitching staff is built around senior lefthander Ed Macaluso, who was selected AllState in 2009 and will be pitching in his fourth season on the Varsity level in 2010. “As a freshman, in 2007 Eddie was put in the rotation at mid-season and helped spark our team to a long winning streak which concluded in a State Championship. He has played a huge part in our success over the last three years” said Blumenauer. Macaluso was the team's most valuable player last season and will be counted on once again to help carry the team this year. Joining Macaluso on the mound this year will be fellow left-handed senior and 4-year starter Matt Espinal and an exchange student from Lithuania, right-hander Edvardas Matusevicius, who has already drawn interest from many MLB scouts. They both possess strong 3-pitch repertories, with Espinal as the crafty lefty and Matusevicius the power righty. At the plate, the team's line-up will be lead by junior infielder R.J. Going and senior catcher Stephen Provenzano, both of whom are three-year starters and were honored as All-league players last season. Provenzano is a power-hitting righty who led the line-up in almost all offensive categories last season and will be inserted into the clean-up spot this season. The line-up will be relying on a mix of youth in players such as sophomore designated hitter Wilfredo

Vega and first-time starters junior outfielder Tyler Murphy and junior infielder Jacob Seymour. Blumenauer also expects Matuscevicius to be a dangerous weapon in the lineup as he possesses excellent speed and power. The Bucs will be attempting to make Suffolk County baseball history in 2010 as they try to become the first team in class C or higher to win four consecutive county titles.

SOUTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE VII

2009 CLASS B CHAMPIONS Last season, Southampton had waited more than a decade for a playoff win and more than three decades for a Class B County and Long Island Championship before reeling in both during their magical run to the state quarterfinals. A year later, with the lineup still stacked and their ace back on the mound, the Mariners will be far less patient. “I think now they're probably feeling like they're the big men on campus, but I hope they work like it,” head coach Ike Birdsall said. “It seems like they're coming into the season with level heads. I have high aspirations.” Pitching, sound defense and aggressiveness on the bases carried Southampton. Head coach Ike Birdsall will count on that formula once again, particularly on the mound. Two-thirds of Southampton's starting rotation graduated, but the Mariners are left with arguably their most consistent performer last year - RHP Chris Pike. The senior comes off a dazzling year that was punctuated by an 11-strikeout no-hitter against Class C title winner Pierson in the B-C-D game. “He's definitely going to be a force this year in our league and our county, and probably be one of the (L-R) Jon McGibbon top players in the state,” Birdsall said. Ricky Wesnofske, a spot reliever a year ago, and James Briggs takes on a full load as one of Birdsall's starters. Lindenhurst H.S.

BK’SPLAYERS TO WATCH BRANDON STAHL St. Dominic High School, SS BRENDAN EBBITTS Newfield H.S. High School, P/1B BRENDAN SWAYNE Plainedge High School, SS BRETT COHEN South Side High School, P BRIAN HUNTER St. John the Baptist H.S., P/OF

BRYAN VERBITSKY Island Trees High School, OF/P CASEY CUNNINGHAM Chaminade High School, C CHRIS DRAGONE St. Dominic High School, P CHRIS GOULD Wheatley High School, OF/P CHRIS KELLY Oyster Bay High School, P

48 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

CHRISTIAN FAUST St. Anthony's High School, OF CHRIS CRUZ Bayshore High School, P/1B CHRIS PIKE Southampton High School, P/IF/OF CONNOR MCCARTHY Clarke High School, SS/P DAN BARTLETT Island Trees High School, P/3B

WHEATLEY HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE B-C

DAVE PODLOFSKY Port Washington High School, SS DEREK HIRSCH St. Dominic High School, LF DOMINICK RAUCCI Island Trees High School, C DYLAN CARUSO Sachem East High School, P ELVIN HERNANDEZ Xaverian High School, C

LEAGUE VIII

2009 CLASS C CHAMPIONS A season ago, Pierson knocked off its nemesis Port Jefferson in a best-of-three series for its first county championship since 2006. Under new head coach Jonathan Tortorella, a solid nucleus returns with the same expectations this spring - put another banner on the wall. Tortorella replaces Sean Crowley, who spent 22 years at the helm of the Whalers. As the Whalers' junior varsity coach for four years, he's familiar with the personnel he'll work with this spring. “I have high expectations for these boys and have coached most of them on the JV level, so I know there is some talent there,” Tortorella said. The Whalers' ace, Kyle McGowin, will toe the rubber for a third season at the varsity level. Brandon Kruel, who will pitch at C.W. Post next spring, has earned a starting spot as has another senior, Ed Schall, whose clutch relief performance in game one of the county championship series helped seal the win. Anchoring the Pierson attack at the plate is Tyler Gilbride, who as a sophomore stepped right into the third spot behind Casey Crowley and Ryan Miller, as well as McGowin hitting clean-up. The Whalers also get a lift from seniors Joe Dowling, Dane Riva, T.J. Arreguin, Mark Mahoney, and junior Gavin Kudlak. The catching duties, assumed by Crowley the last three seasons, will be split between Schall and McGowin this year. “We've got some good players back at pitcher and hopefully some other guys will step up,” Tortorella said. “If we can pitch well and play defense consistently, we will give ourselves a chance every game.”

EDDIE MACALUSO Islip High School, P EDVARDAS MATUSEVICIUS Islip High School, P ESTEBAN GOMEZ Bishop Ford Central H.S., 1B EVERETT KELLER Port Washington High School, P FRANK SOLER Chaminade High School, SS/P

INSIDE LOOK: NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

2009 CLASS B RUNNER UP In 2009 Coach Paino led Wheatley to it's first Nassau County Championship in 21 years. Wheatley met up with north shore rival, Cold Spring Harbor. Wheatley won the best of three series in the rubber match to erase the memory of two failed County Championships in 1996 & 1997. The Wheatley 2009 team was built on great leadership, and are hoping for the same in 2010. The incoming seniors are going to have their hands full in replacing the senior leadership from last year's team. Chris Gould should lead the team back to the playoffs both on the mound and with his bat. Gould regularly strikes out double digit batters per game and helped his team all the way to the Long Island Championship with clutch hitting and pitching performances. When Gould met Southampton in the championship game, he unfortunately ran into Chris Pike, who won the battle that day. However, Gould looks forward to a possible rematch of that game and will be a force to be reckoned with come May.

PIERSON HIGH SCHOOL

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

The third spot will likely go to Conal Wood or Colin Buoniello. This year's staff will again throw to senior catcher Jeb Schmidt, who heads into his third year behind the plate. It's Wesnofske, Pike and Buoniello on whom Birdsall will count on for much of the team's power and run production. Buoniello returns to the offense to which he gave a jolt late last season after getting the call from JV; he'll hit behind Wesnofske and Pike. Other everyday starters returning include Schmidt and 3B/SS Sean Johnson.

FRANKIE VANDERKA MacArthur High School, P/OF GABRIEL SOTO Xaverian High School, SS GARY LAPOLLA Ward Melville High School, C HAROLD FITCH Dewitt Clinton High School, 3B/SS IAN SCHNEIDER Mt. Sinai High School, IF

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

OYSTER BAY HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE BC

2009 CLASS C RUNNER UP Oyster Bay High School is considered a very small school located in the hamlet of Oyster Bay on the north shore of Long Island. Our success can be based on factors such as the tenure of head coach Jay Davis who is beginning his 23rd year at Oyster Bay. With 299 wins, he is looking forward to pass the 300 win milestone this season. He shares and credits his success to his dedicated and loyal coaching staff; Scott Lineman who is entering his 9th season as his varsity assistant and Ron Scudder who is entering his 15th season as the J.V. coach. They have been able to stay competitive because they built a program focusing on good work ethic and pride in playing small ball. Their dedication has paid off. In the last three years, they were able to win three County Championships, (two in class B, one in class C) and two Long Island Championships, a Southeast Regional Championship, which resulted in their first trip to the state final four. Oyster Bay lost that game in extra innings to Maple Hill High School who went on to win the State Championship. We have been fortunate that for the last three seasons to have players that along with playing small ball, could hit for average and hit extra base hits including the long ball. Alex Hudak, Jared Frydman, and Marc Douglas are three graduates that contributed Ed Macaluso Islip High School

to our success and are now playing college ball. This coming season we are competing in Class B, due to enrollment and we will be counting on our returning players. Leading the team are our two starting pitchers, All County senior pitcher, Jake Robinson, (overall record 10-2, 70 K’s, 2.19 ERA) and All Conference junior, Chris Kelly, (overall record 8-3, 35 K, 2.97 ERA). Jake has 5 different pitches and throws all of them with great command. One of his best pitches is his knuckle drop, which could help him become one of the elite pitchers in Nassau County. Chris Kelly is a big strong pitcher who throws great off speed pitches and his best pitch is his change up. The hitting void left by the graduates will be filled by senior catcher, Dan Roland, (career batting average .435, 8 HR, 56 RBI), senior outfielder/3rd baseman, Joe Carbone (BA .367, 25 RBI) and senior 2nd baseman Alex LoRusso (BA .359, 22 Runs). Dan was All County 2 years ago, but an unfortunate knee injury kept him out of most of the 2009 season. Jake Robinson and Dan Roland, both 4-year starters must lead the team who lost a lot of experience. Jake leads off (BA .392, 32, RBI’s, 40 Runs) and plays shortstop (when he’s not pitching). The team is looking forward to this coming season where we expect another competitive year. We will be counting on our other returning players, Tom Treiber, Dario Mastrogiacomo, and Preston Meyer.

COLD SPRING HARBOR H.S. CONFERENCE BC

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH The Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks, coming off a 20-4 season, are hoping to reach the County Championship for the 3rd straight season. This year though, they hope to win it. After two consecutive seasons of losing the County Championship in game 3, they plan on this year being their year. The four seniors who have been a

BK’SPLAYERS TO WATCH J.C. BRANDMAIER Mepham High School, C/OF JAKE ROBINSON Oyster Bay High School, SS/P JAMES BARONE Half Hollows Hills West H.S., SS JAMES MCKENNA Connetquot High School, P JAMES SULLIVAN Kellenberg High School, CF

JASON GALEANO Telecommunications Art & Tech, C JESUS VASQUEZ James Monroe High School, P JESSIE SIMICICH Connetquot High School, SS JIMMY BRIGGS Lindenhurst High School, 1B/OF JIM GUILIANO Connetquot High School, OF/P

50 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

JIM LUPPENS Shoreham-Wading River H.S., 1B/P JOE DEVITO Holy Trinity High School, SS JOE GONZALEZ Center Moriches High School, P JOE LIPARI Massapequa High School, P JOE PASQUALINO Patchogue/Medford H.S., C

LEAGUE II

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH Entering the 2010 baseball season, the Connetquot Thunder Bird Varsity baseball team continues to be ranked among the best in Suffolk County. Under the lead of Coach Bob Ambrosini this program has won 19 League Championships, five County Championships, and two state titles. This season, Coach Ambrosini is looking to get his 500th victory in his 25th year as the Varsity Head Coach at Connetquot. The baseball program at Connetquot has had significant developments over the years for a variety of reasons. Connetquot offers a fall baseball clinic in which skills are taught to the younger baseball players in the district by the varsity coaching staff. In addition the Ronkonkoma CYA and the Oakdale-Bohemia Sunrise Little League JOE PUGLIESE Plainedge High School, 1B JOE RUSSO Connetquot High School, OF/P JOE TRACY St. Mary's High School, P/IF JOHN CHODKOWSKI Clarke High School, CF JOHN RADICE Clarke High School, 1B

JON MCGIBBON Lindenhurst High School, 1B JOSH BARRY MacArthur High School, P JUNIOR MENDEZ Patchogue/Medford H.S., P KEN GENTILE Lindenhurst High School, 2B KENNY JACKSON Connetquot High School, OF/P

INSIDE LOOK: NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL

provide a good foundation of skills and promote interest in baseball. The Connetquot baseball program has produced some of the finest players in Suffolk County. Some of these players include Rob Grable, Matt Guiliano, Rob Zachman, Dom Ambrosini, B.J. LaMura, and Anthony Ambrosini, who have all made it into the professional ranks. The Connetquot High School baseball team is anticipating a great season after finishing last year with a record of 20-5. The team is returning twelve players. Although Connetquot lost three starting pitchers; James Lomangino, Chris Mendoza, and Greg Sarra Jr., it is looking to retool its pitching staff with All-League James McKenna, All-County Jim Guiliano, All-League Joe Russo, and Nick Raimondi. In the outfield there will be three All-County players returning: Kenny Jackson, Joe Russo, and Jim Guiliano. All three outfielders were the top hitters on the 2009 team. In addition to the outfielders returning are All-League shortstop, Jessie Simicich and AllLeague catcher, Ryan Jordan. In 2010 the Connetquot Thunder Birds are expecting quality leadership on and off the field from a promising group of players coming up from the junior varsity. Pitcher Ryan Lewis, shortstop, Joe Petre and second baseman, Andrew Jaccino will make the Varsity team even stronger. With the off season weight lifting program getting underway and the intramural batting that began in January. Every player who tries out should be physically ready to perform at a high level, which will make it tough to make cuts. In the long run will make the team that much more prepared to succeed. Although Connetquot will face stiff competition from the Lindenhurst, Northport, and Bayshore teams, Connetquot should be a preseason pick to rank high in the county playoff picture.

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

part of the team since 10th grade have experienced the rough ends to their season are working hard to make it happen. Those 4 seniors include, Steven Ambrosino, Matt Bertuch, Kenneth Lamb, and Colin Schulz. All of them are expected to play a big role in the success of the upcoming season. Ambrosino has been Cold Spring Harborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catcher since last season and is a key hitter. Kenneth Lamb was a key starting pitcher last year, with 10 wins and 0 losses, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be returning to the mound this year. Along with Colin Schulz, a pitcher and first baseman and Matt Bertuch, a pitcher. The Seahawks are led by Coach Chris Phelan. The Seahawks have lost many key players from last year. They plan to fill those holes with players like Ryan Wagner, Matt Soloman, and others. The Seahawks are not as likely to have the explosive hitting they did last season, therefore, they will need their defense and pitching to help them along the way.

KENNY LAMB Cold Spring Harbor H.S., P KEVIN ARCHBALD Bellmore JFK High School, P KEVIN BONANNI Plainview High School, P KEVIN CHENICEK Levittown Division H.S., P/SS KEVIN COURTNEY St. John the Baptist H.S., P/1B

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

ISLAND TREES HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE A-1

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH The Island Trees Bulldogs return seven starters from last season's team that went 20-6-2 playing in a tough League. The team made it to the Class A Finals before losing in game 3 to Clarke by a score of 5-4. The team is 64-15-3 over the past 3 seasons. The strength of the 2010 Bulldogs is their pitching. Island Trees returns all three of its' starting pitchers from last season. The Bulldogs are led by four year starter centerfielder/pitcher Bryan Verbitsky. Verbitsky, a two time All County player had a tremendous year in 2009 winning the prestigious Diamond Award as the top position player in all of Nassau County. He was also named 1st team All State as well as All County and Newsday All Long Island 1st team. Verbitsky is a five tool player who hit .457 with 8 homeruns and 34 RBI's. On the mound he emerged as the staff ace going 8-1 while striking out 80 in 63 innings with a 1.44 ERA. Senior pitcher/outfielder Brandon Garcia returns for his 3rd year with the varsity. Garcia had a great year on the mound and at the plate. He went 3-1 with a 2.04 ERA. He struck out 41 over 38 innings with an incredible 0.82 WHIP. He hit .337 with 16 RBI's and was an All Conference player in 2009. Senior pitcher Dan Bartlett was another All Conference player for Island Trees in 2009. He was 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA. He is a strike throwing machine who walked only 6 batters over 45 innings. Bartlett features a fastball, curve, change and knuckle Vinny Gallo Seaford High School

drop that he can throw for strikes at any time. Dan tossed a complete game to send Island Trees to the County Finals for the second time in three years in a 13-2 victory over Garden City. Junior third baseman Mike Manganiello returns after a terrific sophomore season in which he was named All Conference. Blessed with raw strength and quickness, Manganiello hit an even .400 with three homeruns and 20 RBI's. Junior catcher Dom Raucci also returns from a solid sophomore season. Raucci hit .290 with a homer while handling the Island Trees pitching staff all season.

LINDENHURST HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE I

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH Michael Canobbio, a Lindenhurst alumnus, has been the head coach at Lindenhurst High School since 1977. During that time the Bulldogs have won nearly 460 games with eight league titles and one conference title. Lindenhurst has made the playoffs 27 times in that span and has produced: 10 Gold Glove recipients, 31 All County players, two Courage Award winners, six League MVPs, nine All State players and a Carl Yazstremski Award winner. Coach Canobbio attributes much of the recent success of the program to his JV coach Nick Lombardo (Lindenhurst alum), and to Rich Rogers(Lindenhurst alum), his trusted Varsity Assistant. “Our program is solid from top to bottom – from Matt Guillet and Mark Frole (Lindenhurst alum and Yaz award winner) on the lower levels to Lombardo and Rogers at the top.” The Lindenhurst program has always had talent, and Canobbio feels blessed that he was able to coach his sons Chris and Brian. From the early years when Ray Grube, Bob Dobkowski and John Witkowski starred, and passed the torch to Pete Rutigliano, Tom Hamilton, Joe Giordanella, Jason Hennigan, Mike

BK’SPLAYERS TO WATCH KEVIN MCCARTHY Kellenberg High School, P KYLE AMBURY Wantagh High School, OF/IF KYLE LOMBARDO Ward Melville High School, SS KYLE MCGOWIN Pierson High School, P KYLE SCHWARTZ Patchogue/Medford H.S., P

KYLE WILSON Patchogue/Medford H.S., OF LOU MASTELLONE North Shore High School, C LOUIS LAMBROS St. Dominic High School, C MARIO ANGERI MacArthur High School, C MARK PAGANO Massapequa High School, CF

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MARK PODLAS Westhampton High School, OF MATT BENEDETTO Wantagh High School, 1B/RF MATT BERTUCH Cold Spring Harbor H.S., 2B MATT DEMITROFF Manhasset High School, IF MATT DIBIASE MacArthur High School, IF/OF

MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE AA-1

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH The MacArthur Generals baseball program enter the 2010 season with high expectations. In 2009 the Generals quest for an 8th Nassau County Championship ended in the semi-finals, with a loss to Carey. This followed a regular season in which the Generals were the only team on Long Island to post an undefeated league record. The Generals had played in the Nassau Championship in each of the previous 3 seasons. Varsity Coach Steve Costello is entering his 19th season, compiling an overall record of 324 wins and 89 losses. He also coached the first Long Island team to ever win the New York State Championship with an undefeated record. His Varsity Assistant, Vin Causeman, is entering his 7th season in his current role. Both coaches have plenty of talent to work with this year, led by pitcher/outfielder Frankie Vanderka. Frankie

MELVIN GARCIA James Monroe High School, CF MIKE COTTY Kellenberg High School, 1B MIKE CRUZ Levittown High School, 3B MIKE LYON North Babylon High School, P/IF MIKE MANGANIELLO Island Trees High School, SS

INSIDE LOOK: NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

MATT ESPINAL Islip High School, P MATT LAROCCA Ward Melville High School, 1B/P MATT REISTETTER Hauppauge High School, C MAXIMO ALMONTE Holy Trinity High School, OF/P MAX ROSING South Side High School, C

returns to the mound this year. The senior lefthander had a really good summer and is getting stronger. Joe Lovizio should be the sleeper on this year’s staff. The senior has a plus curveball and above average velocity. Another junior is Mike Roehrig. Mike is a clutch hitter and solid left-handed pitcher who made All League as a sophomore “When I taught him as a sixth-grader, he would always tell me about his hitting and pitching lessons. Also, his dad has put in hundreds of hours on our fields working on Mike’s fielding and hitting,” said Canobbio. The Bulldogs have talented players. They have moved to League 2 in 2010. Whitman and Connetquot are very talented. The Bulldogs first six games are against those two teams. “Pitching is the key. It always is,” said Canobbio.

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

Panarello, Matt Quigley, Mike Sciame, Jordan Crystal, Bryan Burke, Brian Witkowski and Joe Benkert, to today when players such as Jon McGibbon, Steve Skon, Jimmy Briggs, Ken Gentile, Mike Roehrig, Tom Bammann Dan DiBlasi and Joe Lovizio form the nucleus of the Bulldog roster, there has rarely been a shortage of talent. They are dedicated and motivated to improve. Commitment is not an issue with this group – they are eager to work,” said Coach Canobbio. Jon McGibbon, who accepted a scholarship to play at Clemson University, has started since his Freshman year. He is a powerful first baseman and outfielder. He has averaged 27 hits per season, and holds the school record for playoff game hits. Jimmy Briggs returns to the Bulldogs this year – his third as a Varsity starter. All Jimmy did last year was lead Suffolk County with 13 homeruns. His on base percentage of over .550, combined with over 30 RBI and a .450 batting average earned him the coveted Blue Chips Silver Slugger Award as the top offensive player in the county. Steve Skon, the Bulldogs’ junior shortstop, has started since his Freshman season, when he batted .445 with 6 homeruns and had over 30 RBIs and five game-winning hits. He is a vacuum at shortstop and is adept at turning the DP. Steve works hard – hitting lessons, a speed/agility trainer and daily workouts keep him focused on being the best he can be. Ken Gentile, an All League second baseman in ’09 is a co-captain this year. He had a 5 hit game last year (a good week for most), batted over .440 and had an on base percentage of nearly .500. Tom Bammann returns for his third year as a starting pitcher. Tom has really impressed college coaches at showcases and is expected to be the ace pitcher for the Bulldogs. The coaches expect Tom to win many league games this year. His slider is a real plus pitch. Dan DiBlasi

Continues to page 54 MIKE MARTIN Chaminade High School, P MIKE ROERHIG Lindenhurst High School, P/1B MIKE SHADA Sachem West High School, 2B NICK BATAS St. Dominic High School, P NICK CASSIO Plainedge High School, RF

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY Continued from page 53

earned All-State honors last season, and was voted the Most Valuable Player of Nassau’s toughest league. Frankie batted .426 and won 4 games on the mound, while saving 2. All-County centerfielder Mike Scro also returns for MacArthur, after batting .375 with 10 extra base hits last season. Nick McQuail will play shortstop for the Generals, a position he has manned since his sophomore year. Nick, the Generals’ captain, has earned both AllCounty and All-Conference honors in his career. A great defensive shortstop, Nick also led the Generals in home runs last year with 4, and provided a .500 on base percentage at the top of the order. Sal Sanquini comes back for another year at 3rd base, after earning All-League last year, leading the Generals in runs batted in. Sal will also help the Generals on the mound this season. Last year Matt DiBiase played an excellent right field while hitting in the middle of the Generals order. He’s back for his senior season, and might be asked to move to the infield. Several players from last year’s team will look to play prominent roles in 2010. Left handed pitchers Josh Barry and Andrew Mege will compete for time on the mound. Both pitched important innings for the Generals last year, with Andrew pitching a nohitter against New York City power James Madison. Senior catcher Mario Angieri should also be a key to MacArthur’s success in the spring. He batted .350 as a part time designated hitter last season. Nick Bologna, Nick Fiore, Tim Pappas, Evan Schuler, Tom Bauer, and Kurt Walther are Dan Bartlett Island Trees High School

returning seniors who will get opportunities to break into the lineup in 2010. Having earned a playoff spot every year since 1992, the MacArthur Generals program is determined to continue their proud tradition of success.

PLAINEDGE HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE A-2

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH The Plainedge Red Devil baseball squad enters the 2010 campaign with high hopes and expectations. Plainedge advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2009 class A Tournament coming off its 15th straight playoff appearance. The Red Devils have made five quarterfinal appearances and three trips to the semifinals over the past ten years and hope to the 2010 season leads to a trip to the county finals. The Red Devils return a bevy of starters led by 2009 All County selections Senior RF Nick Cassio (.371 avg. 8 HR’s 22 RBI) and Junior SS Brendan Swayne (.329 avg. 12 SB’s). First Baseman Joe Pugliese returns for his third varsity campaign coming off a .323 season and Senior Catcher Zach Migliozzi hopes to build on a Junior season which saw him hit a team second best three homers. Joining Cassio in the outfield should be Senior Joe Lavin (.300 Avg. .472 OBP) and Will Crapo. The Red Devils strength should be on the hill with their top four hurlers returning from 2009. Crapo, who burst on the scene late in 2009, led the squad with a 1.44 ERA with 24 K’s in 21 innings pitched. Gary Gurino- Burns (3-2 3.83 ERA) and Brandon Trigo (3-2 2.94 ERA) are three year varsity hurlers who have vast experience. Senior Brian O’Connell made four starts as a junior posting a 3.45 ERA. Senior Cliff LaFemina and Sophomore Ralph Caccavale should vie for the second base job while Junior Chris Rodriguez and Trigo will battle for time at third base. The 2009 JV squad, which had a

BK’SPLAYERS TO WATCH NICK D'ANGELO Mt. Sanai High School, P/OF NICK FLYNN St. Anthony's High School, OF NICK LUCIANI Centereach High School, 1B NICK MCQUAIL MacArthur High School, SS NICK KOZLOWSKI Walt Whitman High School, OF/P

NICK SCHAAKE Syosset High School, OF NICK RAIMONDI Connetquot High School, P PETER AUGUST Holy Trinity High School, OF PHILLIP LOPRETE Arch Bishop Molloy H.S., 3B REMMERY RICHIEZ New Town High School, SS

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RICHIE BARTUMIOLI John Glenn High School, P/1B RICKY ALESSI Smithtown West High School, IF RICKIE VAN ALLEN Holy Trinity High School, P/OF RJ GOING Islip High School, IF ROB MOORE Longwood High School, OF

PORT WASHINGTON H.S. CONFERENCE AA-3

ROB VELTRE Massapequa High School, 1B ROBERT BOCCHETTI East Meadow High School, CF ROBERT CAFEIRO Bethpage High School, IF ROBERT GALLIGAN St. Dominic High School, P/1B ROBERT ROTHMAN Plainview High School, P

SEAFORD HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE A-3

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH In the 2009 season, the Seaford Baseball Team earned the league A3 title and earned its 9th consecutive playoff appearance in Class A baseball with an 11-4 League Record. (Its fifth consecutive double elimination berth in the Class A tournament.) The Vikings, however, were unsuccessful in the playoff bracket, posting consecutive defeats at Clarke High School and vs. Bethpage High School. Graduated seniors Mike Perrone SS (All County Vassar College), Stephen DeGeorge CF (All County) Danny

RYAN JORDAN Connequot High School, C RYAN SLOANE Clarke High School, OF SACKIM KIRTANE Holy Trinity High School, P SCOTT KUNZ John Glenn High School, C SEAN BROLLY Seaford High School, 1B

INSIDE LOOK: NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH The Port Washington Vikings are a team on the rise for the 2010 season. After not winning a conference championship since 1996, they have won back to back Conference AA III championships the past two seasons. During this time the team has gone 32-4 during the regular season. Last year in the playoffs they were able go to Oceanside and defeat a higher seeded Oceanside team in thrilling fashion. The team then faced an undefeated MacArthur team in the second round. After handing MacArthur their first loss of the season in game two of the three game series, Port came up just short in game three. The team has nine returning players from last years team. The strengths of this years Viking team will be its pitching and defense. The pitching staff will be led by 4th year starter Everett Keller. Keller is coming off an All County year where he posted an 8-1 record with a 2.32 ERA. He struck out 71 over 54 1/3 innings pitched, while holding batters to an incredible .136 batting average. Senior & third year varsity player Dylan Kane who had a solid pitching

performance against McArthur in last years playoffs is looking to carry that success into the 2010 season. Seniors Harrison Remler & Robert Levinger both second year varsity players will likely come out of the bullpen once again. The left side of the Viking’s infield should be solid this year. Dave Podlofsky an All County selection and the player of the year in Conference AA III in 2008 will be back at shortstop for his third straight year, while senior and second year varsity player Ethan Sander will be back at third base. Both players are poised to have big years in 2010. On the other side of the infield, seniors and second year varsity players Jason Desimone and Charles Gibbons, look to step into the starting lineup at second base and first base respectively. The outfield defense should once again be strong with senior and second year varsity player Kyle Featherston leading the way. The Viking’s are also hoping to get big contributions from some first year varsity juniors; pitcher Jacob Schuckman, infielder Danny Kaminsky and catcher Mike Weiss, who all had solid seasons on the JV level the last two years.

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

record of 14-5, send a slew of talented players that will contribute to the success of the 2010 team. A vigorous preseason conditioning program consisting of three 6:00 a.m. conditioning sessions per week and two baseball related workouts per week will hopefully enable them to endure the vigor’s of a long season. The team will travel to Fort Pierce Florida on March 26th for a week long Spring Training session at the Florida Coast Spring Training facility. The 2010 Nassau County League Alignment’s have not yet been established but Plainedge will surely be slated in the toughest ability based League.

Continues to page 56 SKYLER ORTIZ Xaverian High School, 1B STEVE SKON Lindenhurst High School, SS STEVEN AMBROSINO Cold Spring Harbor H.S., C STEVEN GOLDSTEIN St. Dominic High School, CF STEPHEN PROVENZANO Islip High School, C

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BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY Continued from page 55

Meyer LF/P (All Conference, Coker College) and Keith Dolega P(All County, Molloy College) leave a void the current Vikings are anxious to overcome. With a program that emphasizes a combination of Senior leadership and upcoming driven Juniors, the boys hope to improve their post season performance in 09. Senior 3B/P Mike Gallo (All League .409, 29H, 29R) and Senior 1B Sean Brolly (.375) hope to fill the middle of the Viking lineup. Mike and Sean contributed in a mostly senior 2009 lineup. Mike, a three year starter, combines speed and power at the plate. Sean, a left handed hitter burst into the lineup in 2008 with his consistent approach to hitting the baseball to all fields. Sean also saved many innings for the Vikings in 2009 with his quality defensive play at 1B. The coaching staff is looking forward to the upcoming varsity contributions of Senior middle infielder Phil Slavin and Senior RHP/OF AJ DeMichael. Junior Lefthander Michael Matarese and RHP Bobby Ryan will step right into the rotation in 2010 and along with DeMichael & Gallo keep the Viking Pitching Staff moving forward. In the outfield, Seaford will break in its first new outfield in three seasons. With a small program, limited depth, and the top quality of the Class A playoff bracket, practice and scrimmage time is of great significance throughout the season. The emphasis, in Seaford, has always been to work out all the HS grades together daily. Every High School and Middle School player works with every coach and every player in the program. Seaford Juniors are expected to step right in and fill the gaps created by Everett Keller Port Washington High School

graduated players. Seniors with experience on the Varsity level are expected to work daily with the underclassmen prepping them for their eventual varsity careers. League A3 was very competitive in 2009 and Seaford expects the competition to remain intact. The future is looking solid for Seaford Baseball.

SOUTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE A-3

BK2010 TEAM TO WATCH Coming off of their 14-7, 2009 season, the 2010 South Side Cyclones began offseason workouts this fall looking to return to the playoffs for the fourteenth consecutive year. Large groups of committed young men came down to the fields to begin building this year’s team. Their hard work is far from over as indoor winter training will continue, with morning workouts and visits to the batting cage. The 2010 South Side Cyclones are led by eight returning starting players. Max Rosing, the teams only returning All-County player and catcher for the Cyclones will continue to produce runs with his powerful bat and provide solid defense behind the plate. Brett Cohen, a returning All-Conference player and starting pitcher will continue to impress on the mound. In his junior year, Brett was 4-1 with a 1.99 ERA and led the team with 36 strikeouts. In the outfield, the team’s starting right fielder, Will Bermel, has been patrolling for the Cyclones since his sophomore year. Bermel will be a key piece to South Side’s success on multiple levels. He hits for power and average, has a strong arm from the outfield, and has enough speed to be a threat on the bases. Tim Coleman, the team’s centerfielder last season, returns to the field looking to continue his outstanding defense and will be a player the Cyclones hope will fill a hole in the leadoff spot in the lineup. Ben Akerman,

BK’SPLAYERS TO WATCH THOMAS TOLAN Kellenberg High School, IF TJ PECORARO Half Hollows Hills West H.S., P/IF TOM BAMMANN Lindenhurst High School, P TOM D'ALESSANDRO Half Hollows Hills East H.S., SS TOM O'NEILL St. John the Baptist H.S., OF/P

TOM ROULIS Chaminade High School, 2B TOM TOLAN Kellenberg High School, SS TOMMY GRILLO St. Dominic High School, IF/OF TYLER BADAMO Mt. Sanai High School, P VINNY GALLO Seaford High School, 3B/P

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VINNY IACONO St. John the Baptis H.S., 3B/P VINNY MAIETTA St. Mary's High School, IF WILL CRAPO Plainedge High School, P/OF XYRUSE MARTINEZ George Washington H.S., 2B/P ZACH MIGLIOZZI Plainedge High School, C

this spring for his second year on the varsity as South Side’s shortstop, moving over from his third base position last year. Andrew will also see some time on the pitcher’s mound where he had much success last year. In addition to the returning starters, the South Side Cyclones have a pool of talented players they will look to solidify their standings throught out the 2010 season. There are over 50 players from the junior varsity and varsity level squads that have been participating in offseason training. The coaching staff is excited about the amount of talented baseball players they have for the upcoming season. And both the coaches and players are ready to take the field.

CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAMINADE HIGH SCHOOL The Chaminade Baseball team hopes to continue an amazing winning tradition in 2010. Chaminade's coaching staff returns Mike Pienkos (27th year), Jack Lyons (26th year), George Scheld (3rd year) and 1st year varsity coach Sean Manning. Chaminade hopes to regain the strength that has powered coach Mike Pienkos & Jack Lyons to over 20 championship games in their run with over 10 victories. The Chaminade coaching staff believes they have what it takes to compete for the division championship once again, after a disappointing .500 season in 2009. To help lead the way, Coach Pienkos & his staff are relying on the left arm of BPM Starting

Lineup selectee, Mike Martin to lead his pitching staff towards the playoffs and hopefully beyond. Mike Martin features an excellent fastball with a devastating change-up that held hitters off balance all season in 2009, leading the Chaminade staff with five wins. Mike was awarded All League honors last season. Another All League selectee was starting backstop Casey Cunningham. Casey will help lead the staff that includes Martin, Frank Soler (P/SS), and Mike Alas (P/3B) as a potential big three rotation. With a tremendous reputation for intelligent coaching, Chaminade has a tremendous junior class, led by 2nd baseman Tom Roulis. Roulis is an athletic, leadoff type hitter who can steal a base and may be one of the top hitters in a very competitive Catholic League in 2010.

BK’SSPOTLIGHT PLAYERS KENNY LAMB Cold Spring Harbor P 2009 All County Pitcher, ten wins zero losses in 2009, Undecided.

CONNOR MCCARTHY Clarke P/SS

FRANKIE VANDERKA MacArthur P/OF

ROBERT VELTRE Massapequa 1B

INSIDE LOOK: NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTY - CATHOLIC LEAGUE

INSIDE LOOK AT THE

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

another returning starting pitcher, will solidify South Side’s starting rotation and certainly help the team win some games by mixing up his pitches. In the infield, senior Tim Leck will return to his second base position where he played for 15 games last season. He will likely also see some playing time in the outfield and on the pitcher’s mound, as South Side will look to use his talents at multiple positions. Another key player for the Cyclones will be senior Kevin Mulcahy. Unlike last year where South Side used him predominantly as a relief pitcher and designated hitter, Kevin will be utilized in the role as starting pitcher. Finally, there is the junior, Andrew Talbot, who returns to the field

Member of 2009 Long Island 2009 All-State Selection, 2009 All League 1st Baseman, 2009 Championship team. Conference MVP, Batted .426 in Long Island Championship Attending Hofstra. 2009, Attending Stony Brook. team, Attending Dowling College.

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BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

INSIDE LOOK AT THE CATHOLIC LEAGUE

HOLY TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL For the past 21 years Holy Trinity has been one of the top baseball programs in the Catholic League, winning three NSCHSAA Baseball Championships in 1997, 1998 and 2003. Over 91 of Holy Trinity's players have received baseball scholarships. A true testament to the strength of this baseball program. The common denominator in all this is Holy Trinity's baseball Coach Bob Malandro. Starting his 22nd year as Head Coach of the Titans and two years since he won his 300th game. Malandro is an 'old' school coach whose teams have always shown discipline, respect and a strong fundamental knowledge of the game. His teams rarely beat themselves and always play tough. Coach Malandro has a tremendous respect for ALL the coaches in the league. “Every coach puts in so much time and energy to get their teams ready for the season, and to coach against these guys is a privilege, I have the upmost respect for all of them. Our league has only seven teams, but it is a black and blue division in the fact that there really are no pushovers. As far as this years team, the Titans have a strong pitching staff led by seniors Maximo Almonte and Sachim Kirtane. (Almonte has received a scholarship to Villanova University), In the middle of the

lineup will be four year Varsity starter 3B Anthony Brunetti. Brunetti is one of the top players in the league. Outfielder Peter August will compliment Brunetti in the line-up. The middle of the infield will be young with Sophomores Joey Devito and Jack Parenty at SS and 2B respectively. Coach Malandro feels this years team will contend for the title. “We have a good mix of talent and I feel we could be one of the top teams this year”.

KELLENBERG HIGH SCHOOL Kellenberg Memorial is coming off a 12-6 season in 2009. This year has the look of a new ball club after graduating 15 seniors last year. A younger team waits to take the field this year, but these young men are ready to take on the challenge. Speed and Defense are what hope to lead Kellenberg to the top of the Catholic League this coming season. Coach Alfalla feels confident that his team can quietly make a statement with the 2010 roster. Many people thrive on being the underdog, and this year Kellenberg may be just that. Kellenberg will turn to one of its’ aces, Kevin McCarthy, as a team leader this year. McCarthy will focus on motivating the team. Last year Kevin came out of the bullpen and held his opponents with a 0.00 ERA. Also leading

St. Dominic’s junior pitcher/first baseman Robert Galligan

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ST. ANTHONY’S HIGH SCHOOL

2009 CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS The Saint Dominic Bayhawks have every reason to be proud of their Varsity Baseball team, claiming their first Catholic League Championship in 2009. Excitement is brewing for the 2010 season as players prepare for another victorious season. The 2008 Bayhawks had an outstanding regular season, dominating the competition from the very first game. Unfortunately, their hard work was dashed by a confident, young, St. John the Baptist baseball team who defeated the regular season champs in an intense playoff series. While the players were disappointed, they returned to the 2009 preseason practice with the new motto, “Something to Prove,” and went full force from day one. The team included seniors: Kyle Hanson, John Yohe, Joe Lamacchia, Steve Nassani, and Arman Kouyoudian. The 2009 regular season had tough loses and injuries that cost the Bayhawks the regular season title. This time, St. John the Baptist took first place and the Bayhawks prepared to face St. John the Baptist in what would be another tense showdown. With their battle cry of “Something to Prove,” the St. Dominic Bayhawks took the title after three fantastic games. For the first time in St. Dominic Baseball history, the team had won the Catholic League Championship. The 2010 Bayhawks are ready to repeat last year's victorious season. With young, battle tested players such as catcher Lou Lambros, centerfielder Steven Goldstein, and All-League second baseman, Tom Grillo, the Bayhawks have the defensive skills necessary to win another title. The Bayhawks' strong field presence combined with the hitting skills of seniors Derrick Hirsch, who went 3-for-4 in the 2009 Championship game with two RBIs, and with the leadership of senior shortstop Captain Brandon Stahl will make the Bayhawks a difficult team to beat. The 2010 Bayhawks certainly don’t lack in the pitching department. With juniors Robert Galligan and Nick Batas the team has two experienced pitchers ready to repeat last season's victory. This success does not seem to have an ending, as the strong Freshmen and Junior Varsity clubs show that Rick Garrett, should be able to maintain this level of success for many years to come.

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INSIDE LOOK: CATHOLIC LEAGUE

With the start of the 2010 NSCHAA Baseball season within sight, the St. Anthony’s Friars are focused on bringing the pride back to their baseball program. The Friars are expecting to continue to contribute to the proud and rich traditions that St. Anthony’s High School has come to embody. The 2010 Friars will rely heavily upon its six returning starters from 2009 and its very deep roster of veteran leadership. Returning All League Outfielders Christian Faust and Nick Flynn will hope to build off their success from last season, while seniors Michael Dolce, Kevin Hutzel, Tyler Rieth, Joe Ciullo, Ryan Cacchioli and Andrew Gorecki look to round out the Friar lineup. Returning Ace Anthony Eichorn looks to anchor a very deep group of sophomore, junior and senior pitchers, who are working hard to arm the Friars with the pitching necessary to take them deep into the post season. The Friars continue to work meticulously in the off season towards putting the best product on the field and preparing to compete against the extremely well coached and talented programs of the NSCHAA Baseball League. This upcoming season will give the St. Anthony’s Baseball Program another chance to put all that hard work, all that off season preparation, and all that individual investment to the test against the best the Catholic League has to offer, with the hopes of someday returning St. Anthony’s High School back to the top of the NSCHSAA Baseball.

ST. DOMINIC HIGH SCHOOL

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

the Kellenberg squad are centerfielder Frank Antetomaso, shortstop, Tom Tolan and first baseman Mike Cotty. Cotty batted .359 last season with a .590 slugging percentage. One of the key components to Kellenberg’s success this year will be senior leadership. The ballplayers are working hard this off season and getting ready for some tough match ups. The league this year is once again very competitive. It’s a new season, and anyone has the chance to take the Catholic League title. With hard work, discipline and smart decisions on the field, Kellenberg will be ready to compete for the Catholic League Championship.

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

INSIDE LOOK AT THE CATHOLIC LEAGUE

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST H.S. 2009 CATHOLIC LEAGUE RUNNER UP Coming into 2009, St. John the Baptist was the heavy favorite in the very competitive Catholic League. In 2008, John Habyan & his staff had led his team to the Catholic League Championship. Baptist beat St. Dominic in the rubber match of a three games series in 2008. Little did they know at the time, that St. Dominic would return with something to prove in 2009. St. Dominic responded by winning another three game series at New York Institute of Technology. The two teams have built a great rivalry, while the other teams in the division continually improve. St. John the Baptist is ready to compete in the what many feel is the most competitive division on Long Island. John Habyan, former big leaguer, has been running workouts all winter, preparing his team for a long, grinding season. Habyan is once again loaded with talent as he returns Catholic League MVP, Kevin Courtney. Courtney, a hulking left handed pitcher, with an outstanding fastball, will anchor the rotation and play 1B. Courtney will also hit in the middle of the order in the hopes of supplying protection for Tom O'Neill, Brian Hunter, and Vincent Iacono. O'Neill, a big right handed pitcher (6'4", 180 lbs), features an overpowering fastball (84-87 mph), and a sharp breaking ball. The blend of natural talent and his assortment of pitchers should keep hitters off balance all season long. Add another power pitcher to the mix with Brian Hunter and St. John the Baptist may be the favorite to feature the best starting rotation in the Catholic League. Hunter, another tall right handed pitcher, adds a heavy fastball to the mix. He also features a big bat and will play multiple positions for St. John's. “Brian is a very talented athlete who can really swing the bat,” Coach Calcaterra noted. “His offensive ability and athleticism allow him to play multiple positions, which will make it hard to keep him out of the lineup. - (University of Hartford Website) Last but not least, Vinny Iacono, a hard nosed catcher will lead the pitching staff. Vinny, featuring a stocky build, runs as well as any catcher in the league. He is exceptionally quick behind the dish and has the ability to shut down the running game. Vinny will also supply a big bat

for St. John's and Coach Habyan expects him to be a team leader. St. John the Baptist, is a favorite to win the Catholic League division in 2010, but John Habyan and his staff know the challenges they face ahead.

ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL St. Mary’s High School hopes to be in the mixes comes play off time this year in the Long Island Catholic league. They have a new head coach, Jack Joyce, who is determined to turn the program around. The Gaels lost there last game in the playoffs last year to the league champs St. Dominic 1-0 with the outstanding righty Kyle Hansen on the mound for St. Doms. St. Mary’s is a young team with some highly regarded underclassman. The Gaels will be returning seven of their starters from last year. Jr. catcher Alex Falconi is regarded as one of the top catchers on Long Island and was the Gaels clean up hitter last year. Sophomore Vinny Maietta was a defensive standout playing varsity shortstop for St. Mary’s last year. Few freshmen have ever played as well defensively in the catholic school league. Junior Joey Tracy who missed most of last season due to injury is a leader on and off the field. Tracy is expected to be a league MVP type player for the Gaels. Senior James Wipperman will lead the Gaels pitching staff, he must come up big for the Gaels to have a good year. Fellow seniors Jack Joyce and Steven Graff round out what should be an outstanding defensive team. The Gaels may be as good of a defensive team as any in the league. But lack of over all depth and unproven pitching will mean the Gaels have to avoid injuries.

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BPM would like to thank the players, photographers, parents, coaches and HS Athletic Directors for helping us compile the information and photos in our first ever Preview Issue. Don’t forget to check our site for the latest updates on our Starting Lineup. www.baseballplayermagazine.com

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL

MARK PODLAS Westhampton H.S., OF Early Signee Virginia University

BRYAN VERBITSKY

MacArthur H.S., OF/P 2009 All-State Selectee Attending Stony Brook

BRANDON STAHL

NICHOLAS MCQUAIL

St. Dominic H.S., IF Early Signee Old Dominion University

MacArthur H.S., IF Early Signee Marist College

IAN SCHNEIDER 3B

Centereach H.S., IF Early Signee Dowling College

JON MCGIBBON 1B

IN THE BULLPEN

TJ PECORARO

EDDIE MACALUSO

Half Hollows Hills East H.S., P Early Signee Vanderbuilt University

Islip H.S., P 2009 All State Selection

EVERETT KELLER Port Washington H.S., P 2009 All County Selection

JOE LIPARI Massapequa H.S., P 2009 All State Selection

KEVIN COURTNEY St. John the Baptist H.S., P/1B 2009 Catholic League MVP

MIKE MARTIN Chaminade H.S., P All Catholic League in 2009

MATT REISTETTER Hauppauge H.S., C Early Signee Hofstra University

Lindenhurst H.S., 1B Early Signee Clemson University

INSIDE LOOK: CATHOLIC LEAGUE AND BPM STARTING LINEUP

Island Trees H.S., OF/P 2009 All State Selectee '09 Diamond Award Recipient Attending Hofstra

FRANKIE VANDERKA

BPM2010 HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

These 14 players were hand picked by the BPM staff after recommendations by coaches, fellow players and experts in the field. Follow our team at www.baseballplayermagazine.com and see how we do. Let us know what you think of the first ever BPM High School Team, email your opinion to info@baseballplayermagazine.com.

By Ashley Michaels

Join Scott Gaffney, as he pitches his way down the path to the Bigs. At 6’4, 195 lbs, 23 year old RHP Scott Gaffney is not only a talented baseball player and all around athlete, but a humble guy who exudes the sportsman like qualities that every parent hopes their child will possess. Born and raised in Westbury, New York, Scott is from a family of baseball players. In fact, out of four drafted members of the family, Scott was the top draft pick. His love of sports started at an early age and he excelled in several areas. Scott attended Kellenberg Memorial High School (01’-04’), playing both baseball and basketball all four years; two years on varsity for each sport. Scott’s baseball years were played under Head

Coach Chris Alfala. Throughout his four years at Kellenberg he received several prestigious awards, including: All-Long Island as a senior; three year MVP, Long Island Catholic League Champions; two-year letterman, twoyear team captain, fouryear Honor Roll, and both History and Latin Awards. As a basketball player Scott was the team MVP and AllLeague as both a junior and senior.

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L I FE I N T H E M I N O R S

Scott Gaffney allowed BPM to sit down with him and get a first hand account of his experiences playing in the Minor League system, what draft day was like, and a few things about growing up and playing ball.

Being a Pro isn’t just about playing baseball, but giving back. Scott Gaffney, fellow teammate & Heater elementary school showing students how to position their fingers for different pitches.

So let’s go back to where it all started, did you play Little League? I played for the very prestigious Central Nassau Little League, located in the Southern part of Westbury, called Salisbury. At age 12, our team won the District 32 Championship, then lost to Massapequa Shore in the Sectional Semi-Final at Burns Park. It was such a great experience for me. How about a travel team? My senior year of high school (2004), I played for the Long Island Titans, coached by Eric Joyner. As a team, we were very successful. We had the first advancement in the history of the Perfect Game Tournament by a northern team out of pool play in the 18U division. Another great experience.

You have played throughout the diamond, and were drafted as a pitcher, where was the majority of your time spent? I spent some time at third base and had soon action on the mound as a relief/closer, but for the majority of the time I was at shortstop. How about showcases, did you attend any? Since I played basketball a lot during the summer, I did not go to many showcases. I only went to one showcase and it was a Blue Chips Showcase at Quinnipiac University. Ok, so you were a stand out athlete and student at Penn State and clearly made a great decision to attend, what were your other options? I originally was going to try to play both basketball and baseball in college, and I was interested in some of the Ivy League schools. After some hard decisions, I decided to play baseball; my top schools were St. John’s University, Penn State, and Boston College. They are all great schools and I had a tough choice. Looking back, I know I made the right one. Alright, let’s look back to draft day, tell us about it, what were you expecting? On draft day I was not expecting much. I knew I had a chance to be drafted both as a position player and a pitcher and had talked to several teams with interest in both. I was cautiously optimistic about being drafted high enough to forego my senior year at Penn State. And then the Cincinnati Reds called me around the 10th round and asked if I was drafted in the next two rounds would I sign and I told them yes. I was drafted by the Reds in the 12th Round. As I was on the phone with the Cincinnati Reds, the Chicago Cubs, who were interested in signing me as a position player called. I had the Reds on one line and the Cubs beeping in on the other. I never got to speak to the Chicago Cubs, they had called second and

64 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE

L I FE I N T H E M I N O R S

“As I was on the phone with the Cincinnati Reds, the Chicago Cubs, who were interested in signing me as a position player called. I had the Reds on one line and the Cubs beeping in on the other.” I said yes to the Reds. On a side note, I was the highest draft pick in my family, which includes my dad Bill Gaffney, drafted in the 19th round by the Seattle Mariners in 1980, my cousin Jon Palmieri, drafted in the 14th Round by the Montreal Expos in 1998, and my brother Mike, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th Round in the 2003 draft. After the call from the Reds, how long did it take for you to make your final decision? It was only a couple of hours of negotiating between me, my parents and the organization on financial aspects. We were set and I was ready to play. What happened between draft day and day you took off to play in the minors? I had only pitched early in my junior season and then I was designated strictly as a shortstop for the rest of the year; I had done too much and it affected my arm, and

my team needed me more at shortstop. I hadn’t pitched in 2 ½ months prior to being drafted as a pitcher, so I was not in pitching shape at all. I tried to throw as much as I could to get ready to go and play a short season of baseball in about 9 days.

Did you know...

The Dayton Dragons are a Class A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE 65

L I FE I N T H E M I N O R S

Now you are off, and about to enter a whole new chapter of your life. Can you give us your first reaction when you went to rookie ball? I was sent to Billings, Montana, and it was a little bit of a culture shock. I was surprisedat the different landscape; they

Giving Back to the Fans! Scott Gaffney with Dayton Dragons fan Sebastian Oudshoorn.

have Rim Rocks, which are red rock shaped hills and cliffs, created when a pre-historic ocean dried up. Needless to say the culture was a bit different, but I thought it was great. I came up on the stadium that we would be playing in and it was obsolete to say the least. It was the last year of the stadium, and it was the 75th anniversary. Minimal improvements had been made since 1932. However, the fan base was amazing, the people were extremely welcoming and I was lucky enough to have a great host family in Loren and

Paulette Christianson. They helped make my adjustment to rookie ball, as well as my roommate Todd Frazier, former Little League World Series hero. We all know that the preferred (and maybe only transportation) in the minors is by bus, how are those for you? The buses are travel buses; sometimes they are straight up greyhounds. In Dayton, Ohio, we had our own bus which had an enormous dragon logo painted on the side. The bus trips are tough, 12 hours, sometimes while sharing a seat, and through the middle of the night, only to play a 3 o’clock game the next day.To say the least they are not fun. The best thing I learned to do; get an outdoor pad from walmart, set it on the ground and go to sleep for as long as possible. It also allows me to be a little more comfortable than squeezing all 6’4 of me across two 24 inch seats. How often are you on the road? 70 out of the 140 games played are on the road. It’s a grind going from city to city, back to your home city, and repeating it over and over. But, its fun to be a part of and seeing places that you may have never seen if you were not playing. You mentioned your host family before, what is it like living in someone else’s house? I’ve been lucky enough to live with great host families during my 2 seasons of playing pro ball. In Billings, Montana, the Christiansons were an amazing help to my adjustment to pro ball and provided me and my roommate, who were both northeast kids far away from home, with support like we were a part of their family. In Dayton, Ohio, I lived with another great host family; the Beighle’s who are a wonderful family, with quite a great house. We had a movie theatre room and at one point 9 of the players stayed there. It all depends though, sometimes there aren’t host

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L I FE I N T H E M I N O R S

families to be had, so most guys squeeze into an apartment to keep the rent cheap, which may be the situation for me in another season, who knows, but I have been very lucky. How about your best moment in the minor leagues so far? The best playing moment I’ve had in the minor leagues was my first game of the 2009 season with the Dayton Dragons. It was my first game in over a year due to Tommy John surgery. I threw one inning at home, it was a good inning and I felt great. It was one of my best playing moments ever. One of the coolest experiences was getting to meet some of the retired big leaguers who I idolized growing up, Eric Davis, Delino Deshields, Darren Bragg. Being able to have conversations with those guys is

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

by far the coolest thing about the game. We hate to ask, but want to know, what’s your worst moment in minor leagues? Besides blowing my elbow out in Helena, Montana, I would have to say it was probably giving up 5 earned runs and only recording one out in South Bend, Indiana. It was a terrible feeling, but like the game of baseball there is always the next day. I was taken out of the game and then it was over, I couldn’t do anything more about it. It was an experience that many have, and I take it as an experience that I learned from.

Scott, thank you so much for talking with BPM. We wish you the best and we’ll be following you this season.

WINTER 2010

BY JOE FRANCISCO The preseason period is a short â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today our hitters are going into span of time from January until the season completely outmanned early March that leads up to the spring season. During this preseason and under prepared to compete period the bulk of our hitting training game time. One of the major wants to focus on reconditioning the factors for this problem is what we body and swing to work correctly and becoming more explosive. This is the are doing in the preseason.â&#x20AC;? - Joe Francisco time to really form a solid foundation Performance Factory Baseball for mechanics and technique. During the course of the year there is not that much time that we aren't competing. This makes the preseason a critical time to correct any flaws and revamp our swings because we don't have to worry about results in the game. When we talk about technique, power and explosiveness, it makes it impossible not to talk about Major League hitters. Since the MLD is the pinnacle of hitting, hands down and bar none, we need to study and analyze these players to really understand how to improve and enhance the swing. Who better to talk about then 7-time National League MVP and 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner Barry Bonds, by far, the most feared hitter of his time. Bonds was a top hand, compact, explosive, front-side rotational hitter. Regardless of the steroid allegations, Bonds will go down as one of, if not, the best hitter of all-time. His swing is the prototype swing for the Francisco Hitting System. The two major technical factors in Bonds success as well as the foundation to the Hitting System are: (1) BODY POSITIONING - position of the body when hitting a baseball (2) BAT HEAD SPEED - the speed the bat generates through the strike zone Bonds generated so much torque and bat speed not just because of his enormous strength but from always keeping his body in the correct position and using the proper sequence of movements to maximize the amount of energy transferred through the ball. Bonds approach to hitting is real simple and he stresses 2 major things: (1) GETTING INTO A BALANCED POSITION (2) GETTING HIS HANDS AND BARREL PAST HIS BODY These two seem simple enough, but there is a lot more to what he says than what appears. (1) By getting into a balanced position he means that he wants to get his weight on the inside part of his back leg, not the outside part of your back leg. His stride loads his body and gets him in position to powerfully launch his hands and bat. (2) To get your hands and barrel past your body you need to understand and know how to use the proper sequence. This is the number one thing that separates the hitters you see on TV from everyone else in the world. It would take more then an article to teach you how to do this so here is what will prevent it from happening. Any turning, opening, squashing or drifting at the wrong time can dramatically alter where and how the bat gets into the hitting zone.

68 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Swing Path Ball Path Swing Meets Ball Path

756

Barry Bonds hitting home run No. 756, on a 3-and-2 86 mph pitch from Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher Mike Bacsik, that traveled 435 feet over the right-center field wall.

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

PRE-SEASON TRAINING FOR HITTERS

In essence hitting is getting the bat to the ball in the most compact way possible. TIP: The fastest and shortest path to the ball is not always the most efficient and effective way to the ball - Be Careful! TIP: If the knuckles on your top hand are facing forward then

“Joe’s drills and philosophy makes hitting easy. Thanks for all your help along the way and in the future.”

the bat head is going to face forward.

Since we have spent so much time in this article stressing the top hand and getting into a great hitting position it only makes sense to give you some drills to help make it happen.

DRILLS

- Cam Maron, Catcher Drafted out of Hicksville HS by NY Mets 34th Round 2009

(1) TOP HAND - WALL DRILL

Here are 2 drills that are easy to do and follow that can really clean up some flaws in your swing quick:

TOP HAND - WALL DRILL SETTING UP: Open your stance so that your feet are wider than shoulder width apart. Put your bottom hand behind your back and with your top hand choke up half way up the handle of the bat. Have your front foot touch the wall and get into your wide stance, with just your top hand on the bat.

PICTURE 1: Your set up in the lower half should look just like this.

Weight is centered front toe slightly opened touching the wall or net. The top hand and bat should be where it normally starts in your stance.

PICTURE 2: The weight shifts slightly to the inside part of the back leg. The bat cocks back to a 45° angle slightly behind the head. PICTURE 3: The head will stay stationary and the hand will begin to move forward. The bat should stay on line with (the back arm) and close to the back arm and begin to flatten out. The elbow will start to drive forward almost directly under the top hand.

PICTURE 4: Knuckles will drive forward and line up directly with the

wall or net. The bat will be flat and the elbow will have slight bend (DO NOT STRAIGHTEN YOUR ARM!). The front hip will lock and the head will line up directly over the back thigh. The back heel should lift and drive, not turn!

THE DRILL: Do this for 3 sets of 15 repetitions and hold for 5 seconds every time. For this to be effective repeat at least 5 times a week.

TOP HAND HITTING DRILL - 53's SETTING UP: Use the same setup as the wall drill. This drill can be used

with the tee, soft toss or front toss. You can use wiffle balls, training balls or anything else if not being done inside a batting cage.

THE DRILL: Hit 5 balls with just your top hand and then immediately hit 3 regular. This will start to get your hands working a little more and get the bat head out in front. For or any hitting questions or comments: Email: isagfran@aol.com. Subject: BPM Hitting Comment.

Cam Maron at Performance Factory Baseball, demonstrating Top Hand Wall Drill.

BEHIND THE PLATE

Mason Eng, 14, of Plainview, NY understands that focus and composure are qualities needed to lead a team from behind the plate. Photography by Ellen Schuerger

Little League... When You Find Your True Love

Massapequa Coast Little League New York Dist. 31 Championship July 20, 2009

74 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE

for the Game. By Catherine McGee All MCLL photos by Artie Herrmann

“Little League” is an everyday part of not only our local communities, but all communities across the United States and around the world. When driving from the western tip to the east end, along Sunrise Highway, you’ll see signs welcoming you from town to town. Next to those signs very often you see, “Proud home of the local little league” with different accomplishments written below. Many of us don’t realize how little league began, but we do know this-the most prestigious trip any little leaguer can take, is the trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. When you turn on ESPN at the end of July you’ll see famous baseball broadcasters talking about the “Road to Williamsport.” “Why Williamsport”, you ask? It’s a small town in Pennsylvania with a population of 30,000 people. Why travel to this small town at the end of August for this championship series? This small town houses Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium. To play in this complex is every little leaguers dream. To get here though, you have to be one of the best eight teams in the country, a challenge every team takes on. Along the way to Williamsport, communities come together to teach these young boys the real meaning of being a team player, sportsmanship and fair play. These qualities are the characteristics Carl Stotz wanted his organization to play by.

LITTLE LEAGUE

MASSAPEQUA COAST

Carl Stotz realized back in 1938 that our country was in love with “America’s Pastime,” but most games being played were pick-up games in the park. The games were played with taped bats, equipment that was too big and no coaching. Carl had an idea, and with the help of his family and community, Little League teams were organized. The Lycoming Dairy, Lundy Lumber and Jumbo Pretzel were the first three Little League teams ever in existence. Carl needed support in his venture as the boys needed to learn to play baseball with proper equipment and uniforms. He went to his local community and asked for sponsors. A $30.00 sponsorship fee would put uniforms on the players and put a new bat in their hands. Carl’s goal did not include making money, but teaching young boys the characteristics of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. The community supported Carl’s idea and seventy years later, so do over 80 countries in the world.

Nassau County, New York in the Town of Oyster Bay. With a population of over twenty thousand people, the world’s largest youth organization, Little League, thrives. From April through October MCLL averages one hundred and thirty five teams from T-Ball thru the seniors divisions in their spring, summer and fall leagues.

The first little league game was played on June 6, 1939 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania between the Lundy Lumber and the Lycoming Dairy. The Lycoming Dairy went on to win the first ever Little League Championship in game 5 of a 5 games series. Seventy years later, Little League is the largest youth organization globally. What started out as three teams in 1939 has grown to over 200,000 teams in 2010. One thing has never changed throughout this time. The culmination of the Little League season always ends in Williamsport, Pennsylvania where the championship game can have 30,000 fans in the stands and spread out across the berm with blankets and their families. Each issue of BPM will highlight a little league organization.

Our first issue highlights one of the past decades most accomplished programs, Massapequa Coast Little League. Over the past thirteen years there have been twenty-one District Championships, ten Long Island Championships, three New York State Championships, one Eastern Regional Championship and one World Series berth. These are some of the accomplishments of the Massapequa Coast Little League. For those of you that don’t know Massapequa, it is located in

Massapequa Coast is a well run league, which is not just proud of its championships. The ball fields in Massapequa are nothing like many parents played on back in their Little League days. Over the past few years, through the hard work of the MCLL board and local elected officials, reconstruction took place at many fields. Besides town and school officials making improvements to the fields, the MCLL board has used league funds to donate over $100,000 in batting cages, scoreboards, player benches, other field fixtures and most importantly defibrillators at each of their area fields. The Massapequa Coast plays baseball on beautifully kept fields and the centerpiece is the unbelievable complex at Burns Park. Not only do the kids play baseball on fields that local colleges play ball on also, but they can practice taking swings at one of the seven batting cages available throughout the community, that were donated by the MCLL program to the area fields. On occasion you may not find the Little League on the field at Burns Park. This past September MCLL hosted the Supervisor’s Trophy Game, which included a free clinic by former Yankee, Rusty Torres and the coaches and players of two Division I programs, a barbeque and then a game between New York Institute of Technology and Hofstra University. The field was packed with kids a little after four o’clock and then the stands were filled with those same kids watching collegiate players in action. Each season kicks off with a parade in April celebrating the beginning of baseball bats, gloves that need to be broken in, dirty uniforms and weekend baseball games. Over 1600 baseball players join together to commence the beginning of another Little League season. Children, ages five through eighteen get ready to play. Anyone involved in baseball knows that towns have Little League, but then we also have many travel baseball teams spread throughout Long Island. MCLL does an incredible job of keeping their kids together. In the summer there are three levels of travel summer teams. The Williamsport

76 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE

Teams are just one of them. Many players in MCLL are afforded the opportunity to play together on a summer travel team. Once the teams, players and coaches have completed their little league seasons, the MCLL Board encourages them to seek other competition, like renowned tournaments such as Cooperstown Dreams Park, Disney Wide World of Sports and Ripken Tournaments, outside the reaches of Little League, so that their baseball experience is never ending. Like Carl Stotz realized seventy years ago, none of this could be accomplished without the support of the local community. “The Massapequa community is what makes it all happen. The participation of the kids, the coaches, board members, partnerships with Town and School Officials, local businesses and parents are what makes MCLL what it is today,” said Garland. When asked how registration prices haven’t been raised in five years Garland credited his community again. “Local business establishments make donations to our program through sponsorships, our families patronize our snack stand, ‘The Coast Corner’ and a well managed league fund, with a three panel financial committee, all assist in deferring costs. Craig Garland has been involved in MCLL for nineteen years, on the board of directors for thirteen years and for the past five years has been president of the league. Craig is very proud of the MCLL and the work of his supporting board

Next up to bat is... members and community. “It makes me feel good that our efforts make for a positive, well rounded experience for the children and families in our community.” One of the most fulfilling accomplishments made in the past five years is the advancement of safety procedures by the league. In 2005 Little League on Long Island was devastated by the tragic loss of nine year old,

U p c o m i n g January 27 (6:00 PM) 4th Annual St. John’s Baseball Bullpen Winter Banquet featuring Ron Darling and special guest Frank Viola. New York Athletic Club January 31 (9:30 AM) 3rd Annual Touchem- All Coaches Clinic @ Half Hollow Hills West HS - Hosted by All Pros Sports Academy and Prospect Sports February 19 (6:30 PM) St. John’s University Opening Game vs. New Orleans New Orleans, La. February 23 MLB - First Date for players to report to Spring Training February 24 (8:00 PM) Long Island Connie Mack Meeting - Baldwin Park February 24 Diamond Nation’s March Madness Dome Tournament ages 9u-14u February 26 (3:00 PM) NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) Opening Game vs. Georgetown Washington D.C. March 2 (1:10 PM) New York Mets Spring Training Opening Day vs. Atlantic Braves - Tradition Park March 3 (1:00 PM) New York Yankees Spring Training Opening Day vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - George Steinbrenner Stadium

EVENTS

March 20-21 NY Travel Baseball 4th Annual Pre-Season Tournament Ages 9u-14u March 19-21 Baseball Heaven’s 2010 Pre-Season Bash Ages 10u-11u-13u March 26-29 Baseball Heaven’s 2010 Pre-Season Bash Ages 9u-12u-14u March 27 Diamond Nation’s Spring Fever Tournament - Ages 12u-14u April 2 CHSAA and Nassau - Suffolk County High School Leagues’ Regular Season begins April 3 Baseball Heaven’s Spring League - Opening Day April 4 Major League Baseball Opening Day April 4 (8:05 PM) New York Yankees Opening Game vs. Boston Red Sox - Fenway Park April 5 (1:10 PM) New York Mets Opening Day vs. Florida Marlins - Citi Field April 10 Diamond Nation’s Spring Fever Tournament - Ages 11u-14u April 16-18 Baseball Heaven’s 2010 Spring Classic - Ages 9u-14u

This Date in Baseball History February 17, 1943 Joe DiMaggio drawing $43,500 from the Yankees trades in his salary for the $50 a month of an army enlisted man. DiMaggio, in his customary quiet style, gives no notice to the club.

MASSAPEQUA COAST

LITTLE LEAGUE

Robbie Levine, of Merrick, NY. The question that loomed over that terrible day was whether having a defibrillator on the field would have prevented this tragedy from occurring. MCLL wasn’t going to take that chance. To the credit of Craig Garland, the board and the community, AED’s were placed at every baseball field in Massapequa after a three week fund raising drive that raised over $20,000. Over one hundred and fifty managers, coaches and board members are certified responders in case of an emergency and more are trained on an annual basis with the MCLL taking financial responsibility. Defibrillators are stored in locked storage containers, puchased by MCLL, at every field, where each manager has a master key. MCLL teaches fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork and incorporates many fair play rules, but above all it teaches safety to the volunteers in charge of the children.

“Not only was it a baseball game, but it brought family and friends together, There was nothing better than being on the ball field with my son and reliving that joy I had as a young boy. To this day I drive past the fields and think back on the experiences I was able to share with my son and the other children in this community.”

The successes of MCLL are endless. There efforts are tremendous and their baseball players are successful beyond their years playing for “The Coast.” If you went to the Hofstra/New York Tech Supervisor’s Trophy Game you would have seen Matt Prokopowicz, a senior at Hofstra University. If you travel down the road to Adelphi you’ll see Mike Bartlett on the mound and Matt Barle playing the infield at Adelphi University. You could of course travel over bridges, take a train to the city or hop on a plane to travel to the other colleges that have Massapequa Coast Little League

- A former coach and Massapequa resident Alumni on the fields of NCAA Division I, II, and III schools. Just looking at the past six years, the MCLL has seen over thirty of its alumni go on to college baseball careers. A credit to the program, the coaches, the community, the players and of course their parents. With the efforts of everyone, these young little leaguers have been taught how to be a team player, how to be a gracious winner and of course, how to handle defeat.

When is your birthday? AR: May 15, 1999

What position do you like to play? AR: Short stop and second base.

What is your favorite sport besides baseball? AR: Baseketball

What is your favorite baseball memory so far? AR: When I was eight years old I was put in a playoff game to pitch. The bases were loaded, there were two outs and we were winning 7-6. I struck the batter out on three pitches.

What is your favorite baseball team? AR: New York Yankees Who is your favorite baseball player? AR: Derek Jeter What number do you like to wear? AR: I like to wear #11 because when I picked my number no one on the Yankees wore it.

Thanks Andrew! Good luck to you and your teammates in the 2010 baseball season.

BPM would like to congratulate MCLL on their 2009 District Championships and Long Island Championship.

Photo by Ellen Schuerger

Let’s meET Massapequa Coast’s Little Leaguer Andrew Russell

Heater’s Corner By: Ashley Michaels

Directly out of high school, Neal Heaton was the first player selected in the 1979 draft. Heaton chose to attend college and played for the University of Miami from 1979-81, where he still holds many of the Hurricane’s pitching records, including victories in a season (18) and strikeouts in a game (23). After being drafted in 1981 by the Cleveland Indians, Heaton thrived with a 12 year career in the majors. While with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990 Heaton was selected to play in the MLB All Star Game-one of many highlights in his career… so far. You can’t tell a book by its cover; but can one tell a pitcher by a radar gun reading? The typical parent mumbles to friends and foes alike: “Hey so and so hit 90 on the gun.” Much like the fish stories of the one that got away. This need for speed has discouraged many a young pitcher, and created many guru’s who have systems and programs that can make anyone a 90 mph pitcher. Funny, none are free. The old adage; numbers don’t lie is true. So we went in search of the magic numbers. First off, a radar gun measures how hard you throw, not how well you pitch. Whitey Ford has the best winning percentage of any player in the modern era (236-106). Whitey threw 83 mph. Pitching is a craft. No one measures prospects in numbers more then the NFL. Yet no matter the numbers, they will spend hours pouring over game film. The number that matters most is winning.

Or is it?

In this installment of “Heater’s Corner” BPM sat down with Long Island pitching guru and Major League All-Star Pitcher, Neal Heaton, to get his take on the radar. Hey Neal, How is it going? Busy as always. Most of the top pitchers are already working out and taking lessons. Everyone wants to get better. Today we want to talk about velocity, or call it speed, or throwing hard. We should always remember there is a difference between pitching and throwing. Velocity measures how fast one throws. That is a component of pitching. So is there a direct correlation between throwing hard and pitching success? Pitching is much more then just throwing. The minors are loaded with 90 mph phenoms. But all other things being equal, of course you want the kid who throws harder. So the radar gun is King? I use a gun during lessons to determine the change in speed of different pitches, but let’s face it the first thing college and pro-scouts will look at is speed. And that is measured with a radar gun. Scouts are like everyone else, very busy. A radar gun reading is a good first step for them to sort through the thousand of pitchers throughout the country. The harder one throws the more attention one will get for further evaluation. The kid who is not the hardest of throwers has little chance of attracting scouts? I would say it will just be harder for him, but the chances are out there. Just win.

Just win? That is why they keep score. The most important muscle in pitching is the one between the ears. Just like any other muscle it must be used and trained. What you looks for in a pitching prospect? I think good traits for a young pitcher to have are: 1) Competitor – Winner 2) Work fast 3) Throw hard 4) Ability to change speeds Competitor? You want to want the ball, not just when things are going well, but on those days when you may not have your best stuff or you have some bad luck. The ability to grit it out. Working fast? Working fast is very important. It lets you set the rhythm and be in control of the batter. Pitchers who work fast and get it done with fewer pitches, usually have defenses that make fewer errors. Why is that? Their fielders are more alert and ready. Fielders know when the pitcher is a strike thrower, so they must be ready on any pitch. A pitcher who walks batters and falls behind in the count loses that edge.

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE 81

LIFE IN THE MIN

N THE DUGOUT • RUNNING THE BASES • ONE ON ONE • POTLIGHT • BASEBALL GIVES BACK • DEFENSE • FAST BALL • HOME RUNS • NUTR INNINGS •Soon LITTLE LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS IDN'T KNOW • HEATER'S CORNER • XTRA Coming • BK'S PLA ING • OFF THE FIELD • BPM EVENTS • PITCHING • BaseballPlayerMagazine.com LEADING OFF • COLLEGE PREVIEW • CATCHING • RALLY CAPS • NO-HITTER • SQU For more information or to advertise • PICKOFF • TAG OUT • INTERVI OADED • in the next issue of Baseball Player Magazine. Please email •usNO-HITTER at info@baseballplayermagazine.com. SLAM • TRIPLE PLAY • WALK-OFF HO OR THE CYCLE • FUN • GRAND ITY • DOUBLEHEADER • IN THE DUGOUT • RUNNING THE BASES • ONE ON ONE • L • PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT • BASEBALL GIVES BACK • DEFENSE • FA OUBLE PLAY • 25 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW • HEATER'S CORNER • XTRA INN EASON TIPS • SPORTMANSHIP • HITTING • OFF THE FIELD • BPM EVENTS • PITCH SUMMER ON THE ISLAND • LEADING OFF • • CAT LAY • BULLPEN • FULL COUNT • BASES LOADED • PRESEASON TRAINING • PICK NNING STRETCH • HITTING FOR THE CYCLE • FUN • GRAND SLAM • NO-HITTER RIVE • HELPING THE COMMUNITY • DOUBLEHEADER • IN THE DUGOUT • RUNN MINORS • HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW • PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT • BASEBALL GIVES BA • DOUBLE PLAY • 25 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW • LITTLE LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS • MID-SEASON TIPS • ITCHING • TEAM BPM • BK'S PLAYERS TO WATCH • SUMMER ON THE ISLAND • L RALLY CAPS • NO-HITTER • SQUEEZE PLAY • BULLPEN • FULL COUNT • BASES LOA UT • INTERVIEWS • SEVENTH-INNING STRETCH • HITTING FOR THE CYCLE • FU WALK-OFF HOME RUN • LINE DRIVE • HELPING THE COMMUNITY • DOUBLEHEAD NE ON ONE • • HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW • PLA EFENSE • FAST BALL • HOME RUNS • NUTRITION TIPS • DOUBLE PLAY • 25 THIN TRA INNINGS • LITTLE LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS • MID-SEASON TIPS • SPORTMANS PITCHING • TEAM BPM • BK'S PLAYERS TO WATCH • IEW • CATCHING • RALLY CAPS • NO-HITTER • SQUEEZE PLAY • BULLPEN • FULL C NG • PICKOFF • TAG OUT • INTERVIEWS • SEVENTH-INNING STRETCH • HITTING ITTER • TRIPLE PLAY • WALK-OFF HOME RUN • LINE DRIVE • HELPING THE COMM UNNING THE BASES • ONE ON ONE • LIFE IN THE MINORS • ASEBALL GIVES BACK • DEFENSE • FAST BALL • HOME RUNS • NUTRITION TIPS • • XTRA INNINGS • LITTLE LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS ING • OFF THE FIELD • BPM EVENTS • PITCHING • TEAM BPM • SLAND • LEADING OFF • COLLEGE PREVIEW • CATCHING • RALLY CAPS • NO-HITT ASES LOADED • PRESEASON TRAINING • PICKOFF • TAG OUT • INTERVIEWS • SE YCLE • FUN • GRAND SLAM • NO-HITTER • TRIPLE PLAY • WALK-OFF HOME RUN

TEAM BPM

PRESEASON TRAINING

PREVIEW

COLLEGE PREVIEW

NUTRITION TIPS

H SPORTMANSHIP

LIFE IN THE MINORS

SUMMER ON TH HIGH SCHO

HEATER'S CORNER

BK'S PLAY

“The most important muscle in pitching is the one between the ears.” - Neal Heaton BPM: Throw hard? Are we back to speed? NH: Yes, there is no substitute for blazing speed with control. It also means never take a pitch off. Throw every pitch with an intention. Don’t throw a lazy pitch. Focus and work. BPM: Changing speeds? NH: Pitching is so much like chess. Good hitters will hit a fastball down the middle of the plate every time. Keep them guessing. Keep them off balance. Think, mix it up. BPM: We all know the success of your pupil, Steven Matz (drafted by the Mets), give us an example of the flip side. NH: I have a 16 year old, who has been with me for 7 years. Richie Bartumioli. Quiet kid, loaded with grit, doesn’t throw real hard, but as smart as they come. Richie has a mound presence most 20 year olds wish they had. Works fast, changes speeds, really knows what he is doing, sets up pitches, throws strikes and wins. A great example, this summer he pitched against Youth Services in Brooklyn. Won 2-1, gave up no earned runs, 2 hits and only threw 81 pitches. That’s pitching.

BPM: How hard does he throw and does he have a future? NH: Throws high 70’s, maybe touches 80, changes speeds. At 16 years old the guys should be playing the game because they love it. He will be a very good high school pitcher. He does have the potential to play in college after high school, if he works hard. BPM: So speed is King? NH: It is the first thing most scouts look at. They give the fastest car at the Indy 500 the best spot to start. Doesn’t mean he’ll win, but he’ll start with an advantage. Same with throwing hard. BPM: How can a young pitcher increase his velocity? NH: First of all stay away from these “90 mph guaranteed” so called gurus. If it worked everyone would do it. I would say take care of your arm, have the proper mechanics and be in the best shape possible. Hard work, works wonders.

BPM: Thanks Neal. Looking forward to our next conversation.

BPM25 THINGS BY MICHAEL AMBORT

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

BPM thought you might enjoy getting to know some of today’s Major League Baseball players a little better than the typical interview, so we got in touch with Dan Runzler, MLB.com's Minor League Reliever of the Year for 2009 and lefty powerhouse for the San Francisco Giants and asked him to tell us a few things we might not know…

DAN RUNZLER 1. WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Simi Valley, CA 2. SHOE SIZE: 14 3. BIRTHDAY/SIGN: March 30, 1985 - don't know my sign (Hey Dan - you're an Aries) 4. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA: Chocolate 5. ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Girls 6. PANTS UP OR PANTS DOWN: Pants down 7. SIBLINGS: Two sisters, one older and one younger 8. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP (BESIDES A BASEBALL PLAYER): I wanted to be a veterinarian until I was about 12 9. PET PEEVE: Drivers who don't use their turn signal 10. FAVORITE FOOD: Mexican 11. BEACH OR POOL: Beach all the way 12. DRIVE: A Jeep 13. BLACKBERRY OR IPHONE: Blackberry 14. DOG: Yes, Black Lab named Coco 15. FAVORITE MOVIE: Shawshank Redemption 16. CONDIMENT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Hot Sauce 17. FAVORITE REALITY SHOW: I just started watching Jersey Shore 18. FAVORITE SPORT (OTHER THAN BASEBALL): Football 19. FAVORITE TV SHOW: King of Queens or Everybody Loves Raymond 20. HOTTEST SONG TO HIT THE FIELD WITH: Money to Blow by Drake 21. FAVORITE COLLEGE CLASS: Urban Society, a Sociology class 22. UP EARLY OR SLEEP IN: Definitely sleeping in 23. ONE THING YOU DON'T MIND TELLING US THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW: I watch the show The Bachelor 24. FAVORITE WALK OUT SONG: Notorious Thugs by Bone Thugs and B.I.G. 25. YOU'RE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, BEEP YOUR HORN OR WAIT PATIENTLY: I wait patiently www.sfgiants.com

84 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Winter Defense By Jimmy Goelz

In the dead of winter, it is increasingly more difficult to get out to a field and improve yourself defensively. Tracking down a fly ball or taking grounders may not be possible during the off-season in the Northeast. There are plenty of things you can do indoors to assure defensive improvement come springtime. All positions require a great degree of athleticism, and through various speed and agility programs, you can increase your ability to make plays on the field. Mobility alone is probably the biggest determining factor regarding which positions you are capable of playing. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to a ball, or have the explosiveness to get rid of a ball, you will not be able to survive at the upper levels. Ultimately, the difference from level to level comes down to the speed of which things happen. There is no better time than now to focus on increasing your ability to adapt to these speeds. It is not an easy task, and takes a three to four day a week commitment to see actual improvement. All too often, young players will see a speed and agility coach once a week and think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough. In reality, it takes a great deal of time to see just the slightest improvement when it comes to this area. As long as the program is implemented on a consistent basis, the results will come. Having a strength coach is beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

In fact, you do not even need one at all. If you happen to have access to one who can lead you in the right direction, or work with you at least once to show proper form, then that is recommended. When it comes to the specific skill set of your position, you will often have to get creative. Large spaces necessary to work on defense are very limited and can be quite expensive. One good option is to find a concrete wall located indoors, that you could repeatedly throw a ball off of. Ideally this can be found within your basement, but if not, the next most likely alternative will be in Throwing off the wall accomplishes 3 main things.

Throwing a ball on a consistent basis.

Taking ground balls and reading the different hops.

Working on transferring the ball to your throwing hand over and over again.

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE 85

WINTER

DEFENSE

the gymnasium at your school. Like with anything, there is just no substitute for the repetition required to master a specific skill, and the wall provides just that. Even if the area is real small, you can sit in front of a wall on your knees, and continually throw and transfer the ball. Real baseballs, sponge balls, or even tennis balls will get you the same result you’re striving for. Catchers, outfielders, and infielders are all judged at how quick they can release the ball after they have caught it. It’s an easy separator, and even more easy to work on. Once again it comes down to repetition. The most popular and effective way to improve the transfer for infielders and catchers is by the use of the flat glove. These gloves don’t close or have any fingers. They force the player to use two hands, and deflect the ball to their throwing hand. This skill will not only quicken the transfer, but also improve the overall presentation of the play. Professionals have a certain look defensively, and this skill

is vital in obtaining it. Fortunately, only a small space is needed which makes it a perfect winter drill. These types of drills will seem monotonous or boring but the importance of them cannot be stressed enough. Another defensive skill to focus on is arm strength. Players always seem to have a better arm from season to season due to physical maturation over the winter months. Imagine if they worked on it too. Everyone knows that long tossing is the best way to improve arm strength. We obviously are unable to consistently find a warm area big enough to fire balls hundreds of feet. What we can do is visualize that distance and throw it into a net. You can literally stand three feet from a net and throw baseballs as if you were trying to throw a ball out of the stadium. Not the most fun, but definitely effective. There are also plenty of days where the weather is more than bearable; bundle up and get some throwing done outdoors.

Improve Your Game with another game.

Racquetball

Perhaps the most fun way to improve defensive skills is by playing other sports. Racquetball is one of the best sports to cross train for a baseball player. It’s requires explosive starting and stopping, as well as hand-eye coordination. Any sport that will improve your overall athleticism will help you become a better defender. The opportunities to get better defensively are limited so be sure to take advantage of any that come your way this off season.

86 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE

BPMHEALTH AND FITNESS

PRESEASON

BASEBALl

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING By Patrick Maguire, M.S., CSCS

Baseball players need to be able to perform at near maximal levels over and over with limited rest. This is why it is critical to focus on quick, reactive movements, improving power, speed, trunk rotation, and prevention of injury. These will be the components that will lead to a successful product on the field. Preseason is the 6-8 weeks before competition. This is an important time of year to bridge the improvements made in lean body mass, strength, and power during your off-season program and to maintain those strength and power levels all the way through your season. The purpose of the program should be to help each athlete reach their preseason goals. Preseason baseball strength and conditioning should include the following components:

1 Dynamic Warm-up 2 Speed/Agility/Quickness Program 3 Trunk Rotation/Torso Work 4 Shoulder Prehab/Rotator Cuff Work 5 Resistance Training In the sport of baseball it is important to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the athletes, and specific needs of the sport. Only then can you truly implement a team specific training program. Design drills and exercises that systematically improve strength, power, speed, and agility to give your athletes the best chance to succeed during their competitive season.

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPMHEALTH AND FITNESS

DYNAMIC WARM-UP

The goal of the dynamic warm-up will be to prepare the athletes for the upcoming workout. Activation of the central nervous system and muscular system as well as increasing core body temperature and heart rate will be done through a series of upper and lower extremity exercises.

FEATURE EXERCISE

Walking Knee Hugs Increase agility and improve hip mobility. (A) Stand with feet parallel and knees slightly bent. (B) Stand on the right leg and bring the left leg to the chest in a figure four position. Use hands to hold the leg at the knee. Rise up onto the left toes, and pull the right leg upward. Repeat with the other leg.

(A)

JOINT MOBILITY Arm Circles (Size of Baseball) Arm Circles (Size of Basketball) Arm Hugs Trunk Rotations Sumo Squats

REPETITIONS 1x10 F/B 1x10 F/B 1x10 1x10 1x10

DYNAMIC FLEXIBILITY Walking Knee Hugs* High Knee Run Straight Leg March Scissor Kicks Walking Quad Stretch Buttkickers Leg Cradle Lateral Lunges Lateral Shuffle Carioca Front Lunge w/ Rotation Power Skip for Height Overhead Backward Lunge

REPETITIONS 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 2x20 yards 2x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards 1x20 yards

(B)

2 SPEED/AGILITY/QUICKNESS PROGRAM

Speed and Agility can become important skills on the field of play. Development of these skills is important on both sides of the field. A properly executed SAQ program should be able to help a baseball athlete make improvements on the base paths, in the field, batting power, and throwing arm stability.

FEATURE EXERCISE

*Wall Drill

Helps strengthens hip flexors and improve flexibility.

(A) Stand facing the wall. Lean forward placing both hands on the wall. Keep 45 degree body angle (B) Drive one knee toward chest, point toe to shin. Hold for one count. Drive leg back down and drive opposite leg to the chest and hold for one count. Repeat.

WEEK 1

SPEED Arm Action Wall Drill (1 count)* FOOT QUICKNESS One Foot Two Feet Lateral Two Feet Ali Shuffle AGILITY Lateral Shuffle w/Ball Throw L-Drill

REPETITIONS 2x20 seconds 5xeach REPETITIONS Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L REPETITIONS 3x10' 2xeach

WEEK 2

(A)

SPEED Arm Action Falling Starts FOOT QUICKNESS Two Feet Icky Shuffle Lateral Two Feet Lateral In-In-Out-Out AGILITY Lateral Shuffle w/Ball Throw L-Drill

REPETITIONS 2x20 seconds 3x10 R/L REPETITIONS Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L REPETITIONS 3x15' 3xeach

WEEK 3

(B)

88 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

SPEED Arm Action Falling Starts w/Tennis Ball Drop FOOT QUICKNESS Two Feet In-In-Out-Out Lateral In-In-Out-Out Lateral Cross-over AGILITY Lateral Shuffle w/Ball Throw L-Drill

REPETITIONS 2x20 seconds 3x10 R/L REPETITIONS Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L Half Ladder x4 R/L REPETITIONS 3x20' 4xeach

3 TRUNK/TORSO ROTATION WORK

The key elements to baseball (hitting & throwing) occur in the rotational plane of movement. Trunk rotation training will take place with an emphasis on rotating the hips and torso using variations of medicine balls and cables/pulleys.

Athletes in general have a lack of torso or core strength. This is a vital need of a baseball athlete. The program should focus on the use of medicine ball and core stabilization exercises to make improvements in this area.

FEATURE EXERCISE

*Medicine Ball Slam Enhances Core strength.

(A) Stand with feet parallel and knees slightly bent. Pull medicine ball back behind head and forcefully throw ball down on the ground as hard as possible. (B) Catch the ball on the bounce from the ground and repeat according to prescribed repetitions.

(A)

WEEK 1

TRUNK ROTATION MB Lateral Throw MB Slam* MB Seated Cross-body Throw TORSO Plank Side Plank PB Holds

REPETITIONS 2x15 R/L 2x15 2x15 R/L REPETITIONS 2x30 seconds 2x15 seconds 2x15 seconds

WEEK 2 EXERCISES MB Lateral Throw (Squat Position) MB Lateral Woodchopper MB Seated Overhead Throw EXERCISES Plank Side Plank PB Holds

REPETITIONS 2x15 R/L 2x15 R/L 2x15 R/L REPETITIONS 2x45 seconds 2x30 seconds 2x30 seconds

WEEK 3 EXERCISES MB Lateral Throw (Lunge Position) MB Rotational Slam MB Seated Russian Twist w/ Throw EXERCISES Plank Side Plank PB Holds

REPETITIONS 2x15 R/L 2x15 R/L 2x15 R/L REPETITIONS 2x60 seconds 2x45 seconds 2x45 seconds

(B)

4 SHOULDER PREHAB/ROTATOR CUFF WORK

The goal of the shoulder prehab/rotator cuff work is to strengthen both the anterior and posterior muscles of the shoulder.

Another important component that should be focused on is deceleration. Deceleration is the phase of baseball that the most injuries occur. Development of the rotator cuff is important for prevention of injuries in the deceleration phase.

DAY 1

EXERCISES REPETITIONS Standing Internal Rotation (Band)* 3x10 Standing External Rotation (Band) 3x10 Kneeling Overhead Internal Rotation 3x10

DAY 2 EXERCISES Lying External Rotation (DB) Lying Internal Rotation (DB) Standing Retraction (Band)

REPETITIONS 3x10 3x10 3x10

DAY 3 EXERCISES Shoulder Abduction to 90 degrees Scaption, Internal (DB) Prone Horizontal Abduction

REPETITIONS 3x10 3x10 3x10

FEATURE EXERCISE

*Standing Internal Rotation

An exercise to strengthen the muscles around the rotator cuff.

(A) Stand with side to elbow height. Grasp stirrup with near arm. Position elbow against side with elbow bent approximately 90째. (B) Pull stirrup toward body by internally rotating shoulder until forearm is across belly. Return and repeat. Continue with opposite arm (A)

(B)

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

BPMHEALTH AND FITNESS

RESISTANCE TRAINING

The program should be developed based on the needs and goals of the baseball athlete. An emphasis on strength and power should be part of the goals of any athlete because of the requirements of the sport. The preseason will address both of these goals through a combination of appropriate exercise selection and volume load assignments (Baechle & Earle, 2000).

FEATURE EXERCISE

*Dumbbell Lunges

An excellent exercise to stretch and develop the Quadriceps, the Hamstrings and the Glutes as well as the muscles of the hips. (A) Grab hold of a pair of dumbbells and stand upright. (B) Keeping your back straight take a step forward bending your knees and getting them as close to the floor as possible.

(A)

(B)

PRESEASONBASEBALl

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING WORKOUT WEEK 1 DAY1 Exercise Front Squat Paired with Squat Jumps DB Incline Press Paired with Chin-ups DB RDL Super Circuit

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight 6 / Wt Used

WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight 6 / Wt Used

WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 12 / Wt Used / 2

6 / Wt Used

12 / Wt Used / 2 12 / Wt Used / 2

DAY2 Exercise Box Jump Brench Press Paired with MB Walkovers DB Lunges* Paired with Glute Ham Raises

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight

WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight

6 / Wt Used

DAY3 Exercise Deadlift One Legged Squat Paired with Single Leg Hurdle Hop Plyo Push-ups Paired with One Arm Row Super Circuit

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight 6 / Wt Used

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #1

HEAVY DAY 12 / Wt Used / 2 12 / Wt Used / 2 12 / Wt Used / 2 WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 12 / Wt Used / 2 12 / Wt Used / 2 12 / Wt Used / 2 12 / Wt Used / 2

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #2

HEAVY DAY

12 / Wt Used / 2 WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight 6 / Wt Used

90 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 6 / Wt Used / 3 6 / Wt Used / 3 12 / Wt Used / 3 12 / Wt Used / 2 6 / Wt Used / 2 6 / Wt Used / 2

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #3

SPEED DAY

WEEK 2 DAY1 Exercise Front Squat Paired with Squat Jumps DB Incline Press Paired with Chin-ups DB RDL Super Circuit

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight 5 / Wt Used

WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight 5 / Wt Used

WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 10 / Wt Used / 3

5 / Wt Used

10 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 3

DAY2 Exercise Box Jump Bench Press Paired with MB Walkovers DB Lunges Paired with Glute Ham Raises

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight

WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight

5 / Wt Used

DAY3 Exercise Deadlift One Legged Squat Paired with Single Leg Hurdle Hop Plyo Push-ups Paired with One Arm Row Super Circuit

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight 5 / Wt Used

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #1

HEAVY DAY 10 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 2 10 / Wt Used / 2 WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 10 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 2

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #2

HEAVY DAY

10 / Wt Used / 2 WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight 5 / Wt Used

WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 5 / Wt Used / 3 5 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 3

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #3

SPEED DAY

5 / Wt Used / 3 10 / Wt Used / 2

WEEK 3 DAY1 Exercise Front Squat Paired with Squat Jumps DB Incline Press Paired with Chin-ups DB RDL Super Circuit

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight 4 / Wt Used

WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight 4 / Wt Used

WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 8 / Wt Used / 4

4 / Wt Used

8 / Wt Used / 4 8 / Wt Used / 3

DAY2 Exercise Box Jump Brench Press Paired with MB Walkovers DB Lunges Paired with Glute Ham Raises

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight

WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight

4 / Wt Used

DAY3 Exercise Deadlift One Legged Squat Paired with Single Leg Hurdle Hop Plyo Push-ups Paired with One Arm Row Super Circuit

WARM-UP 1 Reps / Weight 4 / Wt Used

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #1

HEAVY DAY 8 / Wt Used / 3 8 / Wt Used / 2 8 / Wt Used / 2 WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 8 / Wt Used / 4 8 / Wt Used / 4 8 / Wt Used / 4 8 / Wt Used / 3

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #2

HEAVY DAY

8 / Wt Used / 3 WARM-UP 2 Reps / Weight 4 / Wt Used

WORK SET Reps / Weight / Sets 4 / Wt Used / 4 4 / Wt Used / 4 8 / Wt Used / 4 8 / Wt Used / 3

Post Workout Extras Shoulder Prehab #3

SPEED DAY

4 / Wt Used / 3 8 / Wt Used / 2 For more information on baseball preseason training visit www.peakptfit.com

WINTER 2010 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE

Play S

Steve McQuail Canisius College Junior Infielder Steve McQuail had enough. He was miserable. Playing part-time his freshman year at Canisius, the dismal summer performance with the wood bat, they stoked his fire. He’d always wanted to play in the majors, but a modest output in his first go-through at the collegiate level reminded the Golden Griffin infielder that the road to the big leagues presented plenty of pitfalls that had claimed many a hopeful before. In essence, he started over. “It woke me up in a sense,” McQuail said. “I went in the cage and changed everything about my swing. I watched videos of what the pros did and just tried to model my swing after them, exactly how they swing. I worked the hardest I could possibly work.” Since the makeover, McQuail hasn’t stopped barreling up pitch after pitch. In a monstrous ’09 summer, one in which he led the country with 16 home runs, his draft status has skyrocketed. Even with the praise with which he’s been showered, McQuail won’t soon lose sight of what’s put him in that position. “Even after the year I had and the hits that I got, all that stuff, I’m still hooked on working harder because I think I can excel even more,” McQuail said. “I’m not at all complacent about where I am. All I want to do is be the best that I can be and I’ll always be working toward that goal.” McQuail played three varsity seasons at MacArthur High School in Levittown and was named to the First Team All-State as a senior. As a freshman at Canisius, McQuail’s squad won 41 games but he struggled at the plate, batting just .200. That summer, he struggled swinging the wood in the Hamptons, batting just .174. The year was lost, yet strangely it was just what

McQuail needed. His work in the cage increased. He studied diligently. He got stronger. It showed last fall as he entered his sophomore year. This past spring, McQuail batted .314 with 10 homers and 45 RBI for Canisius, which came a win away from reaching the College World Series Regionals. The real attention came as he suited up for the Front Royal Cardinals of the Virginia-based Valley Baseball League. He went 5 for 5 with a pair of homers in his first game. It was just the beginning. By the time he was wrapped up his summer, he’d hit .309 with league-high 16 homers and 42 RBI.

All I want to do is be the best that I can be... “All summer, I had to be in some sort of daze,” McQuail said. “I was hitting all these home runs and I never realized the magnitude of what I was doing. I just went out every night and every at-bat I was just trying to hit the ball hard.” He even won the Valley’s home run derby. On top of that, his Cardinals – who collectively arrived a week earlier than any other squad to start adjusting to the wood bats – went 30-17 and posted the best record in the regular season. Of course, there is more work to do. Talent scouts will now look to see how McQuail follows up his breakout summer as he and the Golden Griffins have their sights set on a conference title. “I went out in the summer and just had a lot of fun,” McQuail said. “I was able to play every night and I tried to be really loose, really calm, and it helped to bring my game out a lot.”

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Effrey Valdez could look at his numbers from the 2009 season and pat himself on the back. Surely after leading New York Tech in nearly every major offensive category – batting average (.401), on-base percentage (.470), slugging percentage (.646), hits (77), home runs (11) and runs batted in (40) – he could justifiably say that he did his job. Not so for Valdez. He knows he can improve, whether it’s at the plate, at third or on the basepaths. More than anything, though, he’s working hard so that another quotient improves – team victories. Last year, the Bears went just 19-29-1. This spring, with its No. 3 hitter daring pitchers to give him a pitch to swing at, Tech will take a crack at posting a winning record as it makes its first foray into playing in the Great West Conference, joining Chicago State, Houston Baptist, New Jersey Tech, North Dakota, Texas-Pan American and Utah Valley State. “I felt good about what I accomplished, but I wish we did a little bit better as a team,” Valdez said. “That’s what it’s all about – winning.”

“I’ve been working hard my whole life,”

New York Institute of Technology Junior Third Baseman Valdez said. “It feels good to see results. I’m just training hard and trying to move on to the next level.” He only increased his stock with a spectacular summer swinging the wood for the Lowell Americans of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, one of the top spots in the country. Valdez hit .326 and his 47 hits were second-best on the team. He’ll play in Lowell again this summer. “It was a great experience,” Valdez said. “We faced top competition every day.” A three-year varsity player at Holy Cross High School in Flushing, Valdez

I’ve been working hard my whole life. earned All-City honors as a senior. He envisioned demonstrating his abilities one day at the pro level and has worked diligently this off-season on what he felt were his shortcomings. He’s looked to improve his foot speed after going without a stolen base as a sophomore. His 15 errors at the hot corner and .902 fielding percentage could improve too. He’ll look to become the first Tech player drafted since the Baltimore Orioles selected outfielder Kraig Binick in the 27th round in 2007. “It’s a humbling game,” Valdez said. “I know I have to keep working hard and keeping a positive outlook with everything I do. I know that I can play and I know not to put too much pressure on myself and try to do too much. I just want to go out and have fun and play the best that I can.”

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE 93

Photos by Ellen Schuerger

For all his good intentions, his numbers are difficult to ignore. Valdez, who hit .332 as a redshirt freshman and was named the Division I Independent Newcomer of the Year, didn’t set out to hit .400, and he wasn’t thinking about that elusive milestone when his average stood at .304 following an 0-for-4 day against Le Moyne on April 9. From there, though, he caught fire. In less than a month, his average rose to .374 heading into May and a month in which he went 19 for 37 (.514) put him at .401 for the season. He didn’t let up late either, going 6 for 8 in the Bears’ final two games at Le Moyne to finish the climb. He ended last season on a 21-game hit streak and collected 45 hits in his last 87 at-bats, a pace of .517. For his efforts, Valdez was honored with All-Independent Second Team recognition.

Effrey Valdez

Contacts Want to hear more from the guys who brought you some of BPM’s winter content? Feel free to reach out to them, and tell them BPM sent you. Running the Bases Matthew Lemanczyk Dave Lemanczyk’s Baseball Academy 35 Rocklyn Ave Lynbrook, NY 11563-2726 Phone: 516.599.7575

Preseason Training for Hitters Joe Francisco Performance Factory Baseball 931A Conklin Street Farmingdale, NY 11735 Phone: 631.777.7740 www.PerformanceFactoryBaseball.com View Joe’s video at: www.YouTube.com/TeamFrancisco Email: isagfran@aol.com Subject: BPM Hitting Comment

Preseason Baseball: Strength & Conditioning Patrick Mcquire Exercise Physiologist/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Peak Performance 44 Broadway Lynbrook, NY 11563 Phone: 516.599.8734 www.peakfit.com Email: pmaguiree@hotmail.com

Heater’s Corner Neal Heaton All Pro Sports Academy 990 Station Rd. Bellport, NY 11713 Phone: 631.286.5144

Don’t forget to let BPM know what you think, email us at

Info@BaseballPlayerMagazine.com

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Crossword by Ellen Schuerger

96 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE

Across 1. seaver’s nickname 4. hideki matsui 9. tight play 11. mets cy young winner 12. catcher with 2127 career hits 13. brooklyn team 16. baseball home of ny giants 19. yanks ace 21. yanks manager many times removed 23. 4 strikeouts in 1 game 25. yanks third baseman 26. batter’s stat 27. new home of the mets 28. mets first manager 32. 2009 world series 35. canyon of heroes route 36. former mets manager

Down

3. yanks cy young winner 4. louisiana lightning 5. mr. october 6. new record holder for most yankee hits 7. man of steal 8. lefty pitcher 10. ny mayor 2000 14. favorite food at the park 15. mets ace 17. long island team 18. perfect game battery 20. “mex” number 17 mets 22. held record for most yankee hits 24. feat rarely seen 28. 2000 world series 29. pitcher’s stat 30. early owner of the mets 31. mets and yanks manager 33. what 4 balls will get you 34. old home of the mets

2. number 42 brooklyn dodgers BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Visit www.baseballplayermagazine.com for answers.

tra Inning

The game of softball dates back to Thanksgiving Day, 1887, where a group of abou gymnasium of the Farragut Boat Club to hear the outcome of the Harvard-Yale foot announced, a man picked up a lone boxing glove and threw it at someone, who h Hancock (many refer to him as the founder of softball), shouted, “Let’s play ball!” Today, softball is one of only two NCAA sports exclusive to women, and holds more than 600 programs throughout all three NCAA sports divisions (I, II, and III). Softball is to many young female athletes what baseball is to the boys, and Baseball Player Magazine will be bringing you “Softball Xtra Innings” in our next issue.

Expect to see: • Interviews with top coaches • Instructional columns • Tips from the pros • Players to watch • And so much more…

COM THE ING IN SP ISSU RING E!

ut twenty young men gathered in the tball game. When Yaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory was hit it with a pole. From there, George

BPMHEALTH AND FITNESS

10 NUTRITION RULES TO LIVE BY By Danielle LaFata, MA, RD, CSSD Performance Nutritionist/Education Specialist

Nutrition is something that affects everyone. Everyone needs fuel and everyone needs nutrients. Yet everyone eats for completely different reasons. As an athlete on the field putting thought behind what goes into your mouth can do wonders for your health, but most importantly your performance. If you can follow these 10 rules each and every day, you will be on your way to optimizing your nutrition and your performance. These are 10 easy steps to being on top of your nutritional game. COME BACK TO EARTH!! Choose the least processed forms of carbohydrates. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes. EAT A RAINBOW Eat a wide variety of colors with fruits or vegetables with each meal. EAT BREAKFAST every day! The longer you wait to eat breakfast, the longer you will be running in low gear! EAT SMALLER PORTIONS more often (5-6 times), spread evenly across the day. Combine protein, carbs, and healthy fats at each meal! HYDRATE! Dehydration = Decreased Performance! Drink at least your body weight in ounces of non-caloric beverages (water/green tea). Include a LEAN PROTEIN with each meal…think “the less legs the better!” Fish have no legs, poultry has two legs and is a great source of protein if you take off the skin and don't fry them. GET BACK IN THE KITCHEN! Don't always rely on restaurants or the club to provide your fuel. Prepare as many of your own meals and snacks to guarantee you will be optimally fueled.

DON'T WASTE YOUR WORKOUT. Drink a mixture of carbohydrate and protein immediately after your workout. If you get a combination of carbs and protein immediately after a game or workout, you get a jump start on repairing your muscles and refueling your body. GET SOME REST. Try to get 8 hours of sleep per night. Those who do not get enough rest often times get injured and sick more often than those who are adequately rested. Athletes' Performance (www.athletesperformance.com) is a training center for elite athletes. Athletes' Performance integrates mindset, nutrition, movement and recovery into their programs to decrease injury potential, enhance performance, and create sustainable systems of success. For additional tools and information on nutrition and training check out: www.coreperformance.com. 100 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE WINTER 2010

Add a MULTIVITAMIN & FISH OIL DAILY. Food first, supplement second, but if your diet is not giving you all your nutrient needs – take the multi-vitamin and fish oil.

By Lauren Jaeger

In The Dugout It is the effort and dedication of the coaches, both on and off the field, that unite a team and provide tremendous insight and inspiration for their players. In each issue of BPM we will honor one chosen coach who truly has a love of the game and his team. BPM was able to sit down with Chris Celano and get his take on the awards he received and what he feels it takes to be a successful coach. BPM: In both 2008 and 2009 you received a few prestigious coaching awards. How does it make you feel? Receiving any individual award is always an honor. I think it’s a reflection of not only me, but of my assistants and the studentathletes in our program. Success in any team sport is always a group effort and our success is a great example of that. BPM: Who would you mark as the most influential throughout your coaching career thus far? There have been a number of people who have influenced me over my coaching career. My father was my first coach in little league and taught me about the commitment and hard work that is required to succeed both in baseball and life in general. I take something from everyone that I come in contact with to continually try to improve myself as a head coach. Other coaches at my institution have also been a great influence on me as well. I have only been a head coach for five years and we have a good group of experienced and successful coaches that I have learned a lot from since my arrival at Dowling. (I moved at Dowling) BPM: Can you give coaches out there a few tips, things that you have learned that are incredibly valuable to your success so far, that will help them with theirs? Constantly try to improve yourself as a coach. You need to be open to change in order to get the most out of your athletes, and this requires some self-criticism and evaluation. If your ego doesn’t allow you to take suggestions from assistant coaches, or in some cases even your players, you can hinder the potential of the team. Communicate. I like to have the best relationship possible outside of baseball with all my players. This gives them the comfort to approach me with any issues they encounter either on or off the field. The ability to handle a loss. How you respond to adver‑sity usually will define the season and as coaches we need to be able to lead during those times, so putting each loss in perspective is crucial.

Chris Celano

Head Coach Dowling College Golden Lions Field Turf 2009 Division II Coach of the Year 2009 ABCA/Diamond Sports Co. Regional Coach of the Year 2008 ECC Coach of the Year

Who is Coach Celano? Celano began his coaching career with the Golden Lions in the Fall of 2000. The 2010 season embarks his sixth year as head coach of the Dowling Baseball team after serving as an assistant coach for three years and the Director of Sports Information from 2002-2004. Celano is a Long Island native and graduate of Ward Melville’s class of 1994. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz in 1999, this left handed pitcher spent his 1999 season playing professional ball in Rimini, Italy. His return to the states in 2000 signed him with Sioux Falls Canaries for two seasons and a decision to pursue his career as a head coach.